Politics 27 March 2026 Parliament of Uganda
Uganda's Refugee Numbers to Exceed Two Million in 2026/2027
Uganda anticipates hosting over two million refugees with an influx of 27,000 more in the 2026/2027 financial year, as revealed by OPM's Assistant Commissioner Apollo Kivumbi to Parliament's Committee on Presidential Affairs. Lawmakers raised concerns over funding for existing refugees and underfunded regions like Karamoja. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4314/ugandas-refugees-top-two-million
Uganda’s refugee population is projected to surpass two million, with an additional 27,000 arrivals expected during the 2026/2027 financial year. This update came from Apollo Kivumbi, Assistant Commissioner at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), during his presentation to the Committee on Presidential Affairs on March 26, 2026.
The new refugees will be supported through the second phase of the Development Response to Displacement Impacts Project (DRDIP), funded primarily by UNHCR at US$328 million. These funds aim to boost socio-economic services, infrastructure, and economic opportunities in host districts. Kivumbi noted that the project is already underway.
However, MP James Mamawi from Adjumani East County criticized the resource allocation, arguing it neglects current refugees who receive only Shs10,000 monthly for food. He questioned the funding formula, pointing out that Adjumani, hosting many refugees, gets the least support.
MP Francis Adome from Moroto Municipality highlighted risks in Karamoja, warning of rising school dropouts without a school feeding program in the upcoming budget. He linked budget cuts—from Shs32 billion to Shs2.7 billion—to potential cattle rustling resurgence, despite recent disarmament efforts.
Committee Chairperson Hon. Alex Byarugaba called for prioritizing affirmative action areas like Karamoja, Teso, Bunyoro, and Luwero, which remain underfunded. OPM’s total budget for 2026/2027 stands at Shs216 billion.
Source: Parliament of Uganda