Youth fill gaps as refugee aid shrinks
Simon Marot Touloung, the team leader of the African Youth Action Network (AYAN), says the impact of budget cuts on refugee services has led to reduced staffing, fewer programmes and growing demand.
Youth Refugees pose for a picture with the leaders after the anniversary celebrations at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala. (Photos by Richard Ategeka)
By Richard Ategeka
Journalists @New Vision
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With global donor funding shrinking, refugee-serving organisations in Uganda are under immense pressure, but youth-led movements are stepping up to bridge the gap, New Vision Online has learnt.
Simon Marot Touloung, the team leader of the African Youth Action Network (AYAN), says the impact of budget cuts on refugee services has led to reduced staffing, fewer programmes and growing demand.
“Settlements that once had 30 staff only have five now, but the number of refugees hasn’t changed; you realise something must change. Many organisations have left, and the refugees have remained. Now, all eyes are on us,” he said.
Touloung was speaking at the organisation's 10th anniversary celebration on June 27, 2025, at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala.
Dubbed A Decade of Action: Generation of Hope, the event reflection was a powerful assertion of refugee-led resilience, innovation, and bold vision.
Prof. Waswa Balunywa, the director of the Balunywa Leadership Academy(right) hands over the award to Patrick Kanyeihamba, AYAN's Programs Lead for his outstanding work. Left is Simon Marot Touloung, the team leader of the African Youth Action Network (AYAN).
AYAN was founded in 2015 by South Sudanese students in response to an influx of refugee crisis and has grown from a social media appeal into a formidable youth-led organisation transforming lives across Kyaka II, Kiryandongo, and Rhino Camp refugee settlements.
Victor Alex Ladu, AYAN’s monitoring and evaluation lead, said they have trained peace ambassadors, supported over 3,000 children through their partner projects, built three innovation centres, and inspired five refugee-led NGOs.
Ladu added that they started as young people trying to help their own, but instead, challenges are mounting. UNHCR and other partners have downsized due to donor cuts.
“We planned for 300 beneficiaries in Rhino Camp, but over 1,000 showed up. Choosing who to help and who to turn away is heartbreaking.”
Despite donor withdrawals from key agencies like UNHCR and WFP, AYAN says it continues to operate, supported in part by host communities that have donated land to grow food and build resilience.
Eunice Acen, the project Lead Jobtech for Refugees, said over 8,000 youth have been connected to digital platforms such as Arifu, Junior, and SafeBoda.
“SafeBoda normally works with nationals but with our support, refugee youth are now earning a real income. It’s about creating new economic pathways.”
Acen adds that the numbers are still small with promising trend.
“These young people have skills,” she explained. “They just need mentorship to unleash their potential and shape their communities.”
Lead with Empathy
Prof. Waswa Balunywa, the director of the Balunywa Leadership Academy, urged the youth to take the lead in solving refugee challenges.
“Make sure there are no refugees in the whole world,” he challenged. “Be social change-makers. Lead with empathy, include those with disabilities, listen, build teams, and find solutions.”
He called for youth to embrace conflict management and decision-making, qualities he described as essential for transformative leadership.
Background
The African Youth Action Network (AYAN) is a youth-led, refugee-founded organisation launched in 2015 by South Sudanese students.
Operating in Kyaka II, Kiryandongo, and Rhino Camp settlements, it empowers youth through peacebuilding, innovation centres, early childhood education, and digital livelihood programs.
With limited funding but strong community ties, AYAN continues to inspire new models of refugee-led development across Uganda and beyond.