Uganda in a race to avert refugee food crisis, says minister

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Government is racing against time to mobilize food for refugees following warnings from donor partners about potential stockouts within three months.

General duties minister Justine Kasule Lumumba disclosed this on Tuesday (April 1) during discussions on the ministerial policy statement for the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM).

Also present were state ministers Alice Kaboyo (Luwero Triangle), Dr Kenneth Omona (Northern Uganda) and Peter Lokeris (Karamoja).

“When we talk about 1.7 million people, when it comes to feeding, you can’t postpone. So, we must also have a discussion, through Cabinet then come to Parliament," sid Lumumba.

"Have it at the back of your mind that we also have a challenge that is coming up, so, the decision taken whether by Cabinet or Parliament may require reviewing some of the policies, especially around the issues of refugees."

Ministers from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) including; Peter Lokeris, the Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Alice Kaboyo, the Minister of State for Luweero Triangle, Dr. Kenneth Omona, Minister of State for Northern Uganda and Justine Kasule Lumumba, the Minister for General Duties appearing before the presidential affairs Committee of Parliament. (Photo by Maria Wamala)

Uganda is one of the leading refugee-hosting countries in the world.

It hosts hundreds of thousands of refugees from conflict-ridden neighbouring nations like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Sudan.

At the moment, disruptive fighting in DR Congo is continuing, with government forces facing off with the M23 rebels.

The insurrection led by Gen. Sultan Makenga has led to the fall of key cities, including Bukavu, Goma, and the mining town of Walikale, forcing waves of refugees across the borders.

Meanwhile, South Sudan is grappling with an uprising by elements of the Sudan People's Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) in hotspots like Nassir.

The crisis, stemming from a political fallout between President Salva Kiir Mayardit and his deputy, Dr. Riek Machar Teny, has prompted the deployment of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) to curb bloodshed.

'Time bomb'

As the Ugandan government weighs its next steps, Nakawa East MP Eng Ronald Balimwezo (NUP) argued that authorities must address the growing tensions between refugees and citizens, which stem from competition over resources.

“The issue of refugees is becoming a time bomb, particularly here in Kampala," he said.

"Because of the policy of social cohesion, these refugees have mingled with Ugandans in local communities and because they are supported by monies, they have gone on to take all the jobs particularly in the informal sector,” claimed the legislator.

“When you go to Kansanga, people have left their houses. Ugandans have nowhere to stay.

"Eritreans and refugees from Sudan have taken over the entire area and are doing businesses like boda boda, butchery, saloons.”