Uganda continues to stand out as a global model for refugee support, currently hosting more than 1.5 million refugees the highest number in Africa.
This success, according to a joint humanitarian report by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), United Nations High Commissioner for refugees (UNHCR), and other development partners, comes from a harmonized effort involving the Government of Uganda, United Nations agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) all working closely together to support displaced communities.
“Uganda’s strength lies in how we work together,” says Bruno Rotival, Head of the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) Uganda. “No one organization can do it alone. Our shared commitment to human dignity is what keeps this response effective.”
ECHO Uganda is playing a leading role in supporting emergency health services, clean water access, sanitation, and education in major refugee settlements such as Nakivale, Kyangwali, Rwamwanja, and Bidi Bidi. Rotival explained that these programs are data-driven, based on real needs, and shaped by feedback from refugees themselves.
“This is not just about charity it’s an investment in peace, stability, and human potential,” calling on donors to provide flexible and sustained funding for refugee programs,” Rotival added,
Beyond physical needs, mental health is also a growing focus. Trans-cultural Psycho-social organization (TPO) Uganda, a humanitarian NGO led by Peter Okwi, is working to heal invisible wounds through trauma counseling, child protection, and psycho-social support.
“Our mission is to restore mental stability, dignity, and resilience,” True healing needs teamwork it can’t happen in isolation. That’s why we work closely with communities to help refugees rebuild their lives,” Okwi explained.
Uganda’s inclusive refugee policy also gives refugees access to land for farming, as well as healthcare and education, which encourages self-reliance and long-term stability.
“We believe refugees should live in dignity,” the Refugee Commissioner at the Office of the Prime Minister. “Our open-door policy is backed by a commitment to create solutions that are not just immediate, but also sustainable,” Douglas Asiimwe said.
Major UN agencies including UNHCR, World Food Program (WFP), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other UN agencies continue to play a vital role by coordinating national strategies, channeling resources, and offering technical support to ensure services reach communities efficiently.
As Uganda celebrates decades of welcoming people fleeing war and persecution, it stands as a beacon of hope for what is possible when compassion is matched with coordination.
From healthcare to education, from protection to empowerment, Uganda’s united refugee response is not only saving lives it’s helping people rebuild their futures.
