The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has hailed Uganda for allowing to host large numbers of refugees.

According to them, Uganda has maintained its top position as the biggest refugee host in Africa.

This, according to Innocent Ndahiriwe, the Coordinator of IGAD in Uganda, keeps Uganda at peace with other countries saying it does not attract attacks from such countries since it is keeping their people.

"Uganda has been a safe haven to many refugees and this is a good thing. We should embrace those refugees because Ugandans might as well be seeking refuge in other countries," Ndahiriwe said.

Ndahiriwe was speaking during the engagement meeting with the parliamentary forum on refugees at Hotel Africana in Kampala on October 25, 2023.

UNHCR Country Representative Mathew Crentsil

According to statistics from the Office of the Prime Minister, Uganda is currently home to a total of 1,520,966 refugees and 47,271 asylum seekers. This brings a total to 1,568,738 with 52% females and 48% males.

Statistics further indicate that about 121,499 which is 8% of the total number live in urban areas whereas 1,446,738 representing up to 92% live in settlements.

Also, South Sudan contributes the highest percentage which is 57% followed by 32% of Congolese refugees as 11% represent other countries.

Hon Joanne Aniku, Madi Okollo District woman Member of Parliament

According to Ndahiriwe, Uganda has taken steps to ensure better stay of refugees citing improved infrastructures which he says would not be found in other countries. He noted that the government has set in place good policies that favor refugees to stay at peace with nationals.

"It is only in Uganda where you find refugees treated even better than nationals: in other countries, they are discriminated against and always find it difficult to access basic necessities," Ndahiriwe said.

Hon.Tom Bright Amooti, Chairperson PFRIDPS

Speaking at the same event, Hilary Onek, the minister for relief, refugees, and disaster preparedness, appealed to the donor community funders to increase funding for refugee projects in the country.

Onek noted that due to the increased tension across the globe, refugee numbers are growing and therefore divided the support received from funders.

Members of Parliament

"We should increase mobilisation and advocacy to ensure that the funding is doubled to accomplish more refugee interventions. It is important to have funds collected from funders, but we should also think about generating them locally," Onek said.