By Henry Okurut
Uganda’s refugee operations face a new setback as plans are underway to reduce staff responsible for managing refugee affairs due to significant funding shortfalls.
This development comes amid mounting financial constraints that have placed Uganda in a difficult position, prompting the need for critical and urgent decisions.
In a joint statement released on May 30, 2025, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Government of Uganda announced the outcomes of a high-level meeting held on May 23, 2025.
The meeting addressed the implications of a strained global funding environment on refugee operations worldwide, including within Uganda.
As a result, a decision was made to reduce staffing levels as part of efforts to navigate the ongoing financial crisis.
“The current funding constraints have necessitated difficult decisions, including staff reductions, which are being carried out in close cooperation and consultation between the Government of Uganda and UNHCR,” the statement reads in part.
A female Refugee from DRC rides to her Poultry Farm found in Uganda where she is currently hosted [PHOTO/UNHCR Uganda]
Both UNHCR and the Government acknowledge that these measures reflect a wider global response to critical budget limitations.
They expressed regret over the adverse impact this will have on affected staff and refugee communities.
Despite the setbacks, both parties reiterated their call to the international community for urgent support as Uganda remains a key host country, playing a critical role in offering refuge and protection.
The announcement comes as Uganda has registered more than 110,000 new refugee arrivals in 2025 alone, pushing the total refugee population in the country to 1.9 million. Yet, UNHCR Uganda has received only 17 percent of its required funding for the year.
This situation underscores the urgent need for continued international solidarity; an element both the Government and UNHCR agree is vital to sustaining Uganda’s globally recognized refugee response and ensuring ongoing protection for those fleeing conflict and persecution.
The joint statement was signed by Uganda’s Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Engineer Hilary Onek, and UNHCR’s Country Representative, Matthew Crentsil.
Uganda currently hosts refugees from over ten countries, with South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo remaining the primary sources of new arrivals.
These are settled across all the eleven refugee hosting districts in the Country including: Adjumani, Yumbe, Isingiro, Kikuube, Kiryandongo, Obongi, Kyegegwa, Kamwenge, Lamwo, Koboko and Kampala.
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