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The donations, primarily aimed at Sudanese refugees fleeing the ongoing civil war in Khartoum, target 46,992 refugees currently residing in the settlement
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By Our Reporter
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government has donated 700 metric tonnes of food and essential items to refugees in the Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement, located in Uganda's Bunyoro region. In addition, the UAE has embarked on constructing a 25-bed health complex to enhance healthcare services for the growing refugee population. The donations, primarily aimed at Sudanese refugees fleeing the ongoing civil war in Khartoum, target 46,992 refugees currently residing in the settlement. The war has claimed over 15,000 lives and displaced more than 8 million people in the past two years. Refugees from South Sudan, numbering over 83,300 and including many women and children, will also benefit from the aid, which includes non-food items such as soap and reusable sanitary towels.
Happy recipients
Health Complex to Boost Refugee Healthcare
The UAE is financing the construction of a 25-bed facility at Panyadoli Health Centre IV within the settlement. The facility will feature outpatient and inpatient wards, consultation rooms, administrative offices, an emergency and accident unit, and a modern theater.
At the groundbreaking ceremony, UAE Ambassador to Uganda Abdalla Hassan AlShamsi and Uganda’s Minister of State for Children and Youth Affairs, Balaam Barugahara, emphasized the importance of improving refugee healthcare. The health complex is expected to be completed within two years.
“I thank the Government of Uganda for allowing the UAE to extend support to refugees in need,” Ambassador AlShamsi said. Speaking in both English and Arabic, he lauded Uganda for hosting over 1.5 million refugees and expressed the UAE’s commitment to supporting Sudanese refugees.
“Today, we are here to support Uganda and its refugees; together, we are stronger,” he added.
Minister Balaam Barugahara, emphasized the importance of improving refugee healthcare
Uganda’s call for support
Representing Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Barugahara acknowledged Uganda’s limited resources in providing for its refugee population. He highlighted President Yoweri Museveni’s efforts to strengthen ties with countries like the UAE to supplement Uganda’s refugee support initiatives.
“I commend President Museveni for building relationships with friendly nations that enhance Uganda’s capacity to care for refugees,” Barugahara said.
He referenced Museveni’s discussions with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in November 2023, which focused on bilateral relations, investment opportunities, renewable energy, and sustainability.
Challenges in the refugee settlement
The deputy commandant of the settlement, Alex Omeja, reported that Sudanese refugees began arriving in January 2023 and remain the only group currently being admitted. However, dwindling donations have led to critical shortages in food, healthcare, education, and water.
“Each family receives just three kilograms of beans per month, forcing refugees to seek alternative livelihoods,” Omeja said.
Dr. Alex Tezita, in charge of Panyadoli Health Centre IV, stated that the facility serves a catchment population of 200,000, with 69,273 being Ugandan nationals and the rest refugees. On average, the center receives 400–500 outpatients daily, handles 85 deliveries per week, and approximately 300 per month.
Distribution challenges
The food distribution exercise drew large crowds, causing chaos as men, women, and older children scrambled for aid packages. Police and settlement leaders struggled to maintain order, with Minister Barugahara and officials stepping in to restore calm.
The event was attended by Cliff Winston Alvarico, head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office in Uganda. The UAE’s continued support highlights the critical role of international partnerships in addressing the growing needs of refugees in Uganda.
Torch Media Africa
