The parliament has turned down a proposal forwarded by the Committee on Equal Opportunities, which recommended a reevaluation of the refugee policy to control their influx to a manageable level. Dorcas Acen, the committee’s deputy chairperson, presented this proposal during a plenary session on Thursday, February 15. The committee will later be required to submit another report concerning the status of refugees and the communities hosting them in Uganda.
A segment of the report stressed the committee’s firm recommendation for the government to amend its refugee policy to prevent potential long-term conflicts arising from an overflow of refugees and a decrease in funding due to cuts in donor support. This recommendation seems to contradict the Kampala declaration on refugees. Mulimba noted certain internal administrative concerns highlighted by the declaration.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja highlighted that the Global Summit on Refugees in December 2023 had addressed the management of limited resources for districts hosting refugees in Uganda. She argued against using this issue to advocate for restricting refugee entry into Uganda, emphasizing Uganda’s global recognition for its refugee policy.
Nabbanja emphasized that refugees seek safety, attracted by Uganda’s secure and peaceful environment. She pointed out Uganda’s history as a refugee exporter in 1986 and its current role as a host to 1.6 million refugees.
Rose Obigah, representing Terego District, noted that her constituency has experienced positive development due to the presence of refugees. She emphasized the importance of treating refugees with dignity and addressing any challenges they face within host communities.
The Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, urged the government to collaborate with neighboring countries to assist Uganda in supporting host communities. He stressed the need for shared responsibility and support from neighboring countries, given Uganda’s inability to bear the burden alone and the resource constraints faced by host communities.
