Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has called on Members of Parliament to strengthen oversight of refugee programmes and ensure proper accountability for resources allocated to refugees amid declining global humanitarian funding.
Tayebwa said Parliament has a critical role in ensuring that refugee policies are effectively implemented while host communities receive the necessary government support to sustain essential services.
He made the remarks on Wednesday while opening a capacity-building workshop for members of the Parliamentary Forum on Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons in Kampala.
"As Africa's largest refugee-hosting country, we are proud of our unwavering commitment to protecting people fleeing conflict and persecution," Tayebwa said.
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He said Uganda's open-door refugee policy remains a source of national pride and pledged that the country would continue providing safety, protection and dignity to people escaping conflict despite growing financial challenges.
"Uganda's open-door refugee policy is a source of national pride. Even as global humanitarian funding declines, our commitment to offering safety, protection and dignity to those forced to flee remains steadfast. At the same time, we call upon the international community to continue supporting and partnering with us," he said.
Tayebwa urged legislators to use their oversight mandate to promote transparency in the management of refugee resources and support policies that strengthen peaceful coexistence between refugees and host communities.
"At Parliament, our primary responsibility is legislation. I encouraged Members of Parliament to strengthen legislative oversight, ensure accountability in the use of resources allocated to refugees and support policies that promote peaceful coexistence between refugees and host communities," he said.
He also called for increased support to refugee-hosting districts, saying local governments require additional resources to maintain public services and promote development.
"We must also ensure that refugee-hosting districts receive the support they need to sustain essential services and drive development," Tayebwa said.
Uganda hosts one of the largest refugee populations in Africa, mainly from neighbouring countries affected by conflict and instability. The country's refugee policy allows refugees access to basic services, work opportunities and freedom of movement.
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The workshop brought together members of the Parliamentary Forum on Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons to discuss how Parliament can strengthen Uganda's refugee response through legislation, oversight and policy interventions.
Tayebwa commended the Office of the Prime Minister, the Parliamentary Forum on Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons and development partners for convening the engagement, saying stronger coordination is essential in developing sustainable solutions that benefit both refugees and host communities.
