Government has launched the second phase of the Settlement Transformation Agenda, a tool used to ensure refugees are self-reliant and promote social development in the refugee-hosting communities.
During the launch held a Hotel Africana o April 20th , it was revealed that STA stands on six pillars which include, land management, sustainable livelihoods, peaceful co-existence, governance and rule of law, environmental protection, and community infrastructure and access to social services.
According to the Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Hilary Onek, the Settlement Transformation Agenda ii is a demonstration that Uganda is ready to continue hosting refugees.
Minister Onek also reminded partners on the importance of financial support, especially in times of refugee influx.
Davina Esther Anyakun, the State Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees said the initiative caters for refugee’s needs like health care, education, and setting up infrastructure like roads.
The Government of Japan, which is the leading partner renewed her commitment to further facilitate the cause.
“If you look at the Adjumani population, half of it are refugees and they lack infrastructure. So, we are going to add health centers, classroom blocks, to mention but a few,” H.E Fukuzawa Hidemoto, the Ambassador of Japan in Uganda said.
First launched in 2014, the STA is credited for offering a platform for humanitarian agencies to shoulder Uganda to carry on the good work.
Uganda has for years shouldered over 1.4 million refugees running from political and civil uprising from neighboring countries like Sudan and DRC