Uganda's Refugee Numbers to Exceed Two Million in 2026/2027

Uganda is bracing for its refugee count to exceed two million, with plans to accommodate an additional 27,000 arrivals 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 of the ministry’s policy statement to the Committee on Presidential Affairs on March 26, 2026.

The newcomers will be supported under phase two of the Development Response to Displacement Impacts Project (DRDIP), backed by the UNHCR with $328 million. Funds will go toward socio-economic services, infrastructure, and job creation in host districts, with implementation already underway.

MP James Mamawi from Adjumani East raised alarms, arguing that priorities should shift to improving conditions for current refugees, who receive just Shs10,000 monthly for food. He questioned funding distribution, noting Adjumani hosts many refugees yet gets minimal support.

Uganda continues as a major refuge for those escaping conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.

Meanwhile, Moroto Municipality MP Francis Adome highlighted risks in Karamoja, warning of rising school dropouts without a school feeding program in the upcoming budget. He linked budget slashes—from Shs32 billion to Shs2.7 billion—to stalled peace initiatives post-disarmament, potentially reviving cattle rustling.

Committee Chair Alex Byarugaba called for better funding to affirmative action areas like Karamoja, Teso, Bunyoro, and Luwero, praising OPM efforts but noting persistent shortfalls. The OPM’s total budget for 2026/2027 stands at Shs216 billion.

Source: Parliament of Uganda