UAE Donates 700,000 Tons of Food and Launches Key Projects to Aid Kiryandongo Refugees

 Kiryandongo, Uganda – In a groundbreaking act of international solidarity, the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has delivered over 700,000 tons of food and essential supplies to refugees in the Kiryandongo Settlement Camp. This significant donation underscores the UAE’s ongoing commitment to addressing global humanitarian challenges.

The handover ceremony, held on Saturday, was attended by the UAE Ambassador to Uganda, Abdalla Hassan AlShamsi, and Uganda’s State Minister of Youth, Balaam Barugahara, who represented Prime Minister Proscovia Nabbanja.

A Lifeline for Refugees in Kiryandongo

The Kiryandongo Settlement Camp is home to more than 100,000 refugees, primarily from Sudan, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Uganda, renowned for its welcoming refugee policy, hosts over 1.5 million refugees in total, with Kiryandongo alone seeing a significant influx of displaced individuals, now numbering 96,860 as of March 2024.

The UAE’s donation includes food staples, cooking oil, sugar, reusable sanitary products, soap, and other essential items, all aimed at improving the lives of refugees in the settlement. The supplies are expected to alleviate hunger and improve the quality of life for thousands of families who rely heavily on humanitarian aid.

Prime Minister Nabbanja, in a statement delivered by Minister Barugahara, praised the UAE’s generosity:

“This contribution is not just a donation; it is a lifeline for thousands of people seeking refuge in our country. We are deeply grateful to the UAE for standing with Uganda in this humanitarian endeavor.”

Improving Healthcare Infrastructure

Beyond food aid, the UAE government has also prioritized healthcare within the settlement. Ambassador AlShamsi laid the foundation stone for a new hospital block within the camp.

The facility, designed to accommodate 25 beds, is expected to address critical medical needs, ranging from general healthcare to emergency services. This initiative aims to reduce the strain on existing medical infrastructure and ensure that refugees receive timely and adequate care.

During the event, AlShamsi highlighted the significance of the project:

“This new block will improve the overall situation in the camp, providing better medical care and living conditions for those seeking refuge. It reflects the UAE’s commitment to addressing not just immediate needs but also long-term challenges faced by vulnerable communities.”

Clean Water for a Healthier Community

Another major highlight of the UAE’s support is the inauguration of a transformative water project within the settlement. This project aims to provide refugees with reliable access to clean and safe water, a fundamental necessity for improving health and sanitation.

Waterborne diseases are a persistent challenge in overcrowded refugee settlements, and the UAE’s initiative is poised to significantly enhance the quality of life for residents.

Uganda’s Commitment and Global Partnerships

Minister Barugahara, speaking on behalf of the Prime Minister, emphasized Uganda’s role as a leading host of refugees and the importance of international partnerships in addressing the needs of displaced populations.

“With close to 100,000 refugees in Kiryandongo alone and over 1.5 million countrywide, Uganda remains a beacon of hope for displaced people. Initiatives like this demonstrate how collaboration can create meaningful change.”

He also thanked President Yoweri Museveni for creating a hospitable environment for refugees and acknowledged the importance of global collaboration to meet the growing challenges posed by forced displacement.

The UAE’s Broader Vision of Humanitarian Support

Ambassador AlShamsi conveyed the UAE’s appreciation for Uganda’s efforts to host and support refugees. He also expressed gratitude to the UAE leadership for its unwavering dedication to global humanitarian causes:

“Uganda’s hospitality to vulnerable communities is exemplary, and the UAE is proud to support such initiatives that align with our global humanitarian vision.”

The ambassador’s remarks reflected the UAE’s broader commitment to fostering international cooperation to address pressing issues, including poverty, hunger, and healthcare access.

A Future of Hope for Kiryandongo Refugees

The UAE’s multi-faceted approach—combining immediate food aid with infrastructure investments in healthcare and water supply—is expected to have a profound impact on the Kiryandongo refugee community.

As refugees in Kiryandongo continue to navigate the challenges of displacement, these initiatives offer hope and a reminder that global partnerships can bring tangible solutions to those in need.

The UAE’s efforts stand as a shining example of how nations can work together to provide support and dignity to displaced populations, ensuring that no one is left behind in the face of adversity.