Uganda risks losing opportunity to host AU Humanitarian Agency

By Fauzia Nkunyingi

Uganda risks losing opportunity to host AU Humanitarian Agency 
The African Union (AU) and its predecessor have long sought effective ways to address humanitarian crises that undermine Africa’s socio economic transformation.

Recognising peace, security, and stability as prerequisites for development and integration, the Constitutive Act laid the foundation for the establishment of AfHA.

Grounded in the 2016 common African position on humanitarian effectiveness, the Agency is intended to provide a coordinated, Africa led mechanism to strengthen humanitarian response, reduce vulnerability, and build resilience — embodying Africa’s collective commitment to move from fragmented crisis management toward a unified, strategic approach that protects lives, restores dignity, and aligns humanitarian action with the continent’s development ambitions.

In February 2025, the African Union General Assembly selected Uganda to host the African Union Humanitarian Agency (AfHA). It was a historic endorsement of Uganda’s globally recognised refugee and humanitarian policies.

The decision elevated Uganda’s standing as a continental leader in humanitarian response, refugee protection, and regional diplomacy. Today, barely a year later, that achievement is hanging in the balance.

Uganda risks losing the opportunity to host the AfHA due to prolonged delays in fulfilling key commitments required under the Host Country Agreement with the African Union Commission.

Reliable information indicates that the AU is already considering awarding the hosting rights to the next best bidder host country because Uganda is failing to sign the Host Country Agreement to operationalise the Agency despite repeated engagements and agreed timelines. This development should concern every Ugandan.

The establishment of AfHA in Uganda would not only strengthen the country’s international reputation but also deliver immense economic, diplomatic, and strategic benefits.

Hosting a continental institution of this magnitude would attract international humanitarian organisations, create employment opportunities for Ugandans, increase conference tourism, and position Kampala as Africa’s Humanitarian Coordination Hub.

Most importantly, it would reinforce Uganda’s long-standing image as a nation committed to solidarity with displaced populations and humanitarian leadership.

However, despite Uganda winning the bid nearly fifteen months ago, the Government has yet to sign the Host Country Agreement that would legally operationalise the Agency.

Although the draft agreement was finalised and mutually agreed upon in August 2025, it remains unsigned to date, and Uganda has remained silent on the matter despite repeated reminders from the African Union.

Without the Host Country Agreement, AfHA cannot legally commence operations in Uganda. The Agency cannot recruit staff, mobilise or spend resources, or undertake the humanitarian responsibilities envisaged under its founding statute.

This delay has already created serious consequences. Sources indicate that AU had mobilised initial resources to kick-start the Agency, but the funds have remained idle because Uganda has not demonstrated readiness to host the institution.

Uganda has also failed to fulfil part of its financial commitments contained in the original bid document.

What is more troubling is the fact that the matter has already reached the highest levels of Government. In a letter dated 3rd March 2026, the Hon.

Attorney General reportedly formally alerted President Yoweri Museveni about the risks associated with the continued delay, including the possibility of Uganda losing the Agency altogether. Yet over two months later, there has reportedly been no response or action, leaving the future of the Agency’s operations in Uganda uncertain.

If Uganda loses AfHA, the reputational damage could be severe. At a time when African countries are competing aggressively to host continental and international institutions, Uganda’s apparent hesitation sends the wrong message to humanitarian and development partners, investors, and Regional bodies. It creates the perception of indecision, bureaucratic inertia, and lack of commitment to international obligations.

Such a loss would also undermine Uganda’s diplomatic influence within the African Union and weaken its credentials as a dependable regional humanitarian actor.

The irony is difficult to ignore since Uganda currently hosts one of the largest refugee populations in the world at over 2 million, and is internationally praised for its progressive refugee policy framework.

The country has consistently championed humanitarian causes at regional and global levels.

Winning the AfHA bid was therefore a natural recognition of Uganda’s experience and leadership in this field. Yet that very opportunity now risks slipping away because of avoidable administrative delays.

The government still has an opportunity to rescue the situation, but time is running out. The immediate priority should be the urgent signing of the Host Country Agreement with the African Union Commission to enable the Agency to commence operations without further delay.

In addition, the Government should immediately release at least 30 per cent of the pledged financial contribution to demonstrate seriousness and commitment to the African Union.

This is not merely about hosting another institution. It is about protecting Uganda’s Credibility, preserving a hard-earned Continental reputation, and securing long-term strategic benefits for future generations of Uganda.

The President and all responsible Government authorities must act decisively before Uganda loses one of the most significant diplomatic opportunities in recent history.
Fauzia Nkunyingi - Humanitarian & Crisis Policy Consultant