UNHCR and stakeholders call for sustainable refugee financing, prioritising urban refugees

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The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has called for a shift toward sustainable and predictable financing for refugee programmes, warning that prolonged displacement is straining humanitarian resources.

Speaking at the 25th Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF) meeting held at Sheraton Kampala Hotel, UNHCR Country Representative Jason Hepps emphasised the need for long-term funding solutions.

“Refugee situations are no longer short-term emergencies. We must invest in sustainable financing models that support both refugees and host communities over time,” Hepps said.

He noted that increasing refugee numbers and declining global humanitarian funding were creating pressure on critical services, including food, healthcare and education.

The European Union Ambassador to Uganda, Jan Sadek, commended Uganda for maintaining one of the world’s most progressive refugee policies.

However, he stressed the need to adapt to changing dynamics, particularly the growing number of refugees settling in towns and cities.

“We must now develop a comprehensive and forward-looking plan to address the needs of urban refugees, ensuring access to services, livelihoods and protection,” he added.

Government reaffirms commitment

Uganda’s Minister of State for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Lillian Aber, reaffirmed government commitment to refugee welfare.

“Uganda remains committed to ensuring a better and dignified stay for refugees while promoting self-reliance and peaceful coexistence with host communities,” Aber said.

She added that the government would continue working with partners to strengthen infrastructure, service delivery and livelihood opportunities in refugee-hosting areas.

Burden

Uganda hosts the largest refugee population in Africa, with close to two million refugees and asylum seekers. As of early 2026, figures from UNHCR indicate the population remains around this level, following steady inflows from neighbouring countries.

By late 2025, Uganda was hosting approximately 1.9 million refugees, the majority coming from South Sudan (about 55–57%) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (around 30–31%), with others from Somalia, Burundi, Sudan and Eritrea.

Women and children account for nearly 80 percent of the refugee population, while about 91% live in settlements and the rest in urban areas such as Kampala.

Despite global recognition for its progressive refugee policies, including access to land, work and social services, Uganda continues to face mounting financial pressure to sustain its response.

At the meeting, stakeholders reiterated that addressing refugee challenges requires shared international responsibility, with increased investment from donors, development partners and the private sector.

UNHCR warned that without a sustainable financing framework, gains made in refugee protection and inclusion could be reversed, leaving millions at risk.

The CRRF platform continues to serve as a key coordination mechanism bringing together government, humanitarian agencies and development partners to advance long-term solutions for refugees in Uganda.