BY INNOCENT KIIZA
Uganda’s refugee response took center stage at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) this week, as UN Secretary-General António Guterres met with Uganda’s Vice President, H.E. Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo.
Guterres praised Uganda for its generosity in hosting one of the largest refugee populations in the world close to two million people, mostly from conflict-affected neighbors such as South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Sudan. He reaffirmed the UN’s continued partnership with Uganda in addressing regional peace, security, and humanitarian challenges.
Uganda is currently sheltering more than 1.8 million refugees and asylum seekers, according to UNHCR data a dramatic rise from just 400,000 in 2014. The country has become a global model for its inclusive refugee policy, which allows refugees to live in host communities, cultivate land, and access public services. Yet, the sheer scale of new arrivals has strained Uganda’s health, education, water, and energy systems.
Amid this strain, Uganda has also entered into an agreement with the United States to host third-country nationals who fail to secure asylum in the U.S. but are unwilling to return home.
“This is a temporary arrangement with conditions, including that individuals with criminal records and unaccompanied minors will not be accepted,” Vice President Alupo clarified. She emphasized that Uganda would prefer to take in African nationals under the agreement, adding that Kampala and Washington are still working out the implementation modalities.
The move comes against the backdrop of U.S. immigration policies aimed at deporting undocumented immigrants. Media reports have previously indicated that the U.S. has explored relocating some deportees to countries such as South Sudan and Eswatini.
Despite international praise for Uganda’s progressive policies, funding remains a major obstacle. In 2024, UNHCR raised only 35% of the $858 million required to meet both humanitarian and development needs. Uganda’s Vice President warned that without predictable and increased donor contributions, the country’s ability to sustain its refugee model could be jeopardized.
“The government and humanitarian agencies are urging development partners to scale up financial contributions and ensure long-term support,” Alupo said. She underscored the need to shift from emergency humanitarian aid to a development-driven approach, emphasizing job creation and livelihood programs that promote refugee self-reliance.
Vice President Alupo, who arrived in New York for UNGA80, was welcomed at John F. Kennedy International Airport by Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Amb. Adonia Ayebare, and Uganda’s Ambassador to the U.S., Amb. Robie Kakonge.
She is expected to address the General Assembly on Thursday, September 26, at 3:00 PM, where she will present Uganda’s position on peace and security, sustainable development, climate change, and international cooperation. Alupo will also hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders to deepen Uganda’s diplomatic ties and explore new areas of collaboration.
The 80th UNGA has convened world leaders at a critical moment, as refugee flows, climate shocks, and global insecurity continue to test international solidarity. For Uganda, it is both an opportunity to showcase its role as a pillar of regional stability and a plea for stronger global responsibility-sharing.
