Uganda hosts the largest refugee population in Africa and the 3rd largest in the world, of which 57% are from South Sudan.
The EU’s support is crucial to providing life-saving humanitarian assistance to refugees and host communities. The story of Tabitha, a 37-year-old single mother of 6, serves as a great example.
A refugee and a survivor of gender-based violence, Tabitha is now a member of the Women Lead in Emergency group supported by CARE International, with the aid of several support services funded by the EU.
Tabitha received health support, mental and psychosocial support, as well as cash assistance, to help her meet her various needs – including being able to provide school materials for her children.
She used part of the funds to start a small mukene (Silver fish) business, which is providing an alternative source of income for her family. Later, she joined the Village Savings & Loans Associations, further boosting her business.
Tabitha’s story is one of hardship and, often, despair – yet is also a tale of hope, illustrating what can be achieved when the necessary assistance is accessible.
Tabitha herself asks for this support to be offered to other women: “I now request the EU and other partners to extend the same support to other vulnerable groups, especially women and girls, given the reduction in food ration and the high rental fees charge for hiring land by the host community.”
“I can’t wait to appreciate the EU for all the support given to me and other refugees. My life and health have greatly changed because of all this support”, she says.
