Uganda is expected to host nearly 2 million refugees by the end of 2025, driven by ongoing violence in Sudan, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), according to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR). With 1.93 million refugees already within its borders, Uganda remains the largest refugee-hosting country in Africa and third-largest globally.
UN officials say around 600 people are crossing into Uganda daily, seeking shelter, food, and safety. However, the refugee response in Uganda is critically underfunded, with only 25% of the required funding available.
Despite its globally praised progressive refugee policies,&nbsp;allowing refugees access to work, education, and healthcare &mdash; the rapid influx is straining essential services and threatening years of developmental gains.
On World Refugee Day, Uganda's Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness, and Refugees, Hilary Onek, raised alarms over the mounting pressure on host districts. &ldquo;We are now only able to meet the most basic needs,&rdquo; he stated, urging the international community to step up.
Further deepening the crisis, the World Food Programme (WFP) has already reduced rations due to funding cuts and announced that it will halt food aid for 1 million refugees. Vulnerable groups are receiving as little as 22% of the standard food basket.
UN Resident Coordinator Leonard Zulu said a recent $2.5 million UN emergency fund has supported 42,000 refugees at reception centers, but urgent and sustained support is needed to avert a larger humanitarian disaster.
"Uganda continues to keep its doors open to displaced persons," said Matthew Crentsil, UNHCR&rsquo;s representative in Uganda, "but it cannot do it alone."

Uganda May Host 2 Million Refugees by End-2025

UN: Uganda’s refugee numbers surge amid growing African conflicts

Uganda May Host 2 Million Refugees by End-2025

UN: Uganda’s refugee numbers surge amid growing African conflicts

August 5, 2025 | 09:32 IST