parliament 22 September 2026 Parliament of Uganda
Parliament Demands Clarity on Kitgum Refugee Settlement Plans
Uganda's Parliament, through the Presidential Affairs Committee, is pressing the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) for detailed plans, funding specifics, and timelines before establishing a new refugee settlement in Kitgum District. The committee seeks assurances on essential services like water, sanitation, and healthcare. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4626/parliament-demands-details-new-kitgum-refugee-settlement
Lawmakers on the Parliamentary Committee on Presidential Affairs have called for comprehensive details from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) regarding the proposed refugee settlement in Kitgum District. Chaired by Hon. Martin Ojara Mapenduzi, the committee is scrutinizing the OPM’s preparations, emphasizing the need for clear plans on service provision, funding, and implementation timelines.
The committee has reviewed initial documents indicating that the local community has offered 490 acres of land in Amida West sub-county for the settlement. While a District Council resolution and a physical planning report are in hand, the committee awaits evidence of environmental, social, and climate impact assessments.
Concerns were raised about identified gaps in essential services at the proposed site. “Latrines are supposed to be there. You need water sources. You need to have a medical facility, health facility,” stated Hon. Mapenduzi, urging the OPM to clarify who will provide these services, the associated costs, and when they will be operational.
Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness, and Refugees, Hon. Sam Engola, assured the committee that preparations are underway with support from development partners. He confirmed that UNHCR has been involved in mapping and demarcation, and a partner is set to provide five boreholes before any refugees are relocated. The Minister also noted the existence of health centers and ongoing engagement with donors for additional support.
Hon. Engola reiterated that refugees will not be moved until adequate facilities, including water and sanitation systems, are in place. He highlighted the urgency due to the approaching rainy season and confirmed that UNHCR is prepared to provide funding, while UNICEF is assisting with water drilling.
Separately, the committee also questioned the OPM about stalled projects under the Development Response to Displacement Impacts Project (DRDIP 1), a World Bank-funded initiative. Contractors responsible for incomplete infrastructure projects are set to appear before the committee.
Source: Parliament of Uganda