news 22 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Shifts to China for Refugee Aid as US Funding Slashed
Uganda's refugee programs face severe setbacks after losing $65 million in UN funding due to US cuts, prompting appeals for $1 million contributions from capable nations. China has stepped in with a $1 million donation to support vulnerable refugees amid declining global aid. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/refugee-crisis-uganda-turns-to-china-amid-us-funding-cuts-5433232
Uganda is grappling with a major funding crisis in its refugee response after the UN system lost up to $65 million (Shs240 billion) in committed funds, largely due to reduced US support to agencies like UNHCR.
Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Hillary Onek, highlighted the shift during the launch of a $1 million emergency aid package from China. He noted that the US, once the primary donor for logistics and food, has pulled back under its new administration, leaving host nations like Uganda to shoulder the burden.
Hosting over 1.6 million refugees—the highest in Africa and third globally—Uganda urged financially strong countries, especially in Asia like India, to contribute at least $1 million each to ease the strain.
China’s Chargé d’Affaires, Fan Xuecheng, confirmed the funds are already disbursed for hot meals, bread, hygiene items, and essentials targeting new arrivals, women, and children in settlements like Nakivale and Kyangwali.
Humanitarian funding has plummeted from a peak of $500 million in 2019 to a projected $130-140 million in 2025, leading to slashed food rations (30-60% of needs), overburdened healthcare, and limited education.
Onek emphasized UNHCR’s reliance on voluntary donations, warning that donor withdrawals cripple operations. Xuecheng called for global peace efforts to address conflict-driven displacement while pledging ongoing Chinese support for Uganda’s Vision 2040.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)