The United States Ambassador to Uganda, William Popp, has stated that the U.S., as a major donor to refugee communities in Uganda, has provided nearly $1 billion in assistance over the last 5 years, benefiting over 1.5 million refugees and 3 million Ugandans through the provision of vocational schools, food, and clinics.
According to Ambassador Popp, one of the reasons the US invests in vocational skills is to benefit refugees and members of the host communities so that they learn skills, that will enable them to find a path toward self-sufficiency to complement the food assistance they are already receiving.
Ambassador Popp made these remarks on June 20, 2024, while discussing the U.S.’s commitment to refugee welfare in Uganda on local television, where he acknowledged the challenges posed by the growing number of refugees and the limited resources available.
“The resources from donor countries are being strained by other conflicts around the world, leading to a reduction in the rations provided. To address this, the U.S. has placed a strong emphasis on vocational skills training, which we believe can help refugees and members of the host communities towards self-sufficiency,” Popp said.
He noted that these skills, such as tailoring, food preparation, and small business management, not only benefit the refugees themselves but also their wider communities. He added that skills that allow refugees to tailor clothes, prepare food, or run small businesses essentially help them generate income, fostering self-sufficiency and resilience.
“It has a double benefit when these skills are passed on to refugees, as it benefits both them and their communities,” Popp explained.
He further stated that the U.S. also plays a crucial role in providing resettlement and asylum opportunities for those who see no viable way to return to their homes.
“The United States is the top country for asylum seekers and refugees in the world. When it comes to resettlement, individuals who, based on certain circumstances, see no viable way to return to their homes are most eligible for approval for resettlement and asylum,” he added.
His remarks draw attention to the U.S. government’s commitment to supporting refugee welfare in Uganda, both through direct financial assistance and by empowering refugees and host communities to become self-sufficient.
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, seeking asylum is a fundamental human right; everyone has a right to life and liberty, a right to freedom from fear, and a right to seek asylum from persecution.
