Uganda Faces Refugee Crisis as Numbers Near Two Million Amid Regional Conflicts

Uganda stands at a critical humanitarian crossroads as escalating conflicts in Sudan, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) drive a daily influx of refugees seeking safety. With an average of 600 new arrivals crossing into the country each day since early 2025, Uganda is projected to host nearly two million refugees by the end of the year—solidifying its status as Africa’s largest refugee-hosting nation and the third largest globally.

The Scale of the Crisis: A Growing Population in Need

Currently, Uganda is home to approximately 1.93 million refugees, with over one million being children under the age of 18. Among these vulnerable populations, more than 48,000 children and adolescents have arrived without adult protection, presenting complex safeguarding challenges. The recent surge in arrivals reflects the intensifying instability in neighboring countries, as civilians flee armed conflict, violence, and human rights abuses.

Dominique Hyde, Director for External Relations at UNHCR—the United Nations Refugee Agency—highlighted the urgent human impact during her recent visit to refugee settlements hosting Sudanese and South Sudanese nationals. She recounted meeting a 16-year-old South Sudanese girl who, having lost her parents, now cares for her four younger siblings while dreaming of returning to school. Yet, immediate survival concerns dominate, exacerbated by rapidly depleting humanitarian aid.

Humanitarian Funding Crisis Threatens Lives and Progress

Uganda’s progressive refugee policy grants asylum seekers the right to live in communities, access public services, and work, offering a model for refugee integration that contrasts with more restrictive approaches elsewhere. However, the humanitarian response is now facing one of the most severe funding shortages in decades, jeopardizing essential services and risking a reversal of years of progress.

The estimated cost of supporting a refugee in Uganda in 2025 is around $16 per month. Yet, without increased funding, UNHCR can only provide assistance valued at approximately $5 per refugee each month. This drastic shortfall threatens basic needs such as food, clean water, shelter, and healthcare.

Malnutrition rates, especially among children under five, are climbing alarmingly. As aid supplies dwindle, refugees face impossible choices—dropping out of school, accepting unsafe living conditions, and enduring rising incidents of gender-based violence. Mental health concerns among refugee youth are also intensifying as mental healthcare resources shrink.

By late July 2025, UNHCR’s resources were sufficient to support fewer than 18,000 individuals with cash and essential relief supplies, barely enough to cover two months of new arrivals at the current rate.

The Human Toll: Vulnerable Children and Rising Risks

The plight of unaccompanied children is particularly dire. Many arrive traumatized, separated from families, and exposed to exploitation and abuse. Schools in refugee-hosting areas have been opened to serve displaced children, but funding gaps have led to shortages of teachers, learning materials, and facilities.

Reports indicate a sharp increase in sexual and gender-based violence within refugee communities. Women and girls face heightened risks as protective services are stretched thin. Mental health professionals warn of growing despair among young refugees, with suicide risks rising due to the compounded stresses of displacement, insecurity, and uncertainty.

Uganda’s Generosity Amid Global Responsibility

Despite these overwhelming challenges, Uganda has remained steadfast in its commitment to welcoming refugees, opening not only its borders but also schools, health centers, and communities to displaced populations. However, humanitarian actors emphasize that this generosity cannot be sustained without urgent international solidarity.

“War disrupts lives without warning, forcing people to leave everything behind. Many refugees face growing desperation; no resilience can replace what’s been lost,” said Dominique Hyde. “Uganda has shown great generosity, yet the burden should not fall solely on communities far from the conflict zones. Responsibility lies with those driving and enabling the violence. Peace is the only lasting answer, and until it comes, refugees’ dignity must be protected.”

Call for Increased and Sustained Support

Currently, Uganda’s refugee response is only 25% funded, leaving critical gaps in services and assistance. UNHCR and partners are calling on governments, donors, development actors, and the global community to step up with more urgent and sustained financial and technical support.

Such investment is vital not only to protect refugees but also to support host communities that bear the social and economic impacts of displacement. Enhancing livelihood opportunities, education, health services, and infrastructure can foster stability and resilience, ensuring that refugees and their neighbors alike can live safer, more dignified lives.

Looking Ahead: A Test of Global Solidarity

As the refugee population nears two million, Uganda’s experience underscores the complex realities of hosting large displaced populations amid protracted regional conflicts. The unfolding crisis demands comprehensive international engagement—combining humanitarian aid, development cooperation, and conflict resolution efforts.

Without a swift and scaled-up response, the risk is that vulnerable refugees will suffer worsening conditions, children’s futures will be jeopardized, and fragile host communities will face escalating pressures.

Uganda’s example highlights both the potential for compassionate refugee policies and the urgent need for global responsibility-sharing to uphold the rights and dignity of displaced people in an increasingly turbulent world.