United Nations in Uganda

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Uganda:

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27 August 2026

She arrived hungry. Now she feeds Uganda's new refugees.

At dawn in Ocea Reception Centre in Uganda’s West Nile, Rebecca is already at work.By 6:00 a.m., smoke curls from cooking fires as she sorts beans and rice, stirs porridge and starts cooking for families fleeing conflict. Some days, she helps prepare meals for more than 2,000 newly arrived refugees.But Rebecca is not just a cook. She knows, deeply, what a hot meal means to someone who has lost everything. “Hot meals symbolise life,” she says. “It shows that at least people will eat. Here, food is assured.”For refugees arriving exhausted and hungry after dangerous journeys, a hot meal is often far more than nourishment. It is safety. It is dignity. It is the first sign that they have reached refuge.Uganda hosts more than 2 million refugees and asylum-seekers, with new arrivals still crossing its borders from South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sudan. At reception centres like Ocea in Rhino Camp Refugee Settlement, the World Food Programme (WFP) provides hot meals to new arrivals to meet immediate food needs before families move into longer-term assistance. For people who may have gone days without food, these meals can be lifesaving, supplying energy and nutrition at a moment of acute need. Rebecca remembers that feeling well.In 2012, when conflict erupted in South Sudan, she fled with her family first to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, then onward to Uganda through Koboko. Along the way, armed men stole everything they owned.“We were left with only the clothes we were wearing,” she recalls. “We had nothing.”During the journey, food was scarce. She and her children survived on wild fruits, including roadside mangoes. Travelling with young children, including a four-year-old daughter, made the journey even harder.“There were days we had nothing to eat,” she says. “It was very rough.”When her family finally arrived at Ocea Reception Centre, the hot meals they received, delivered by WFP, brought immense relief.“They served porridge for breakfast, lunch and supper,” Rebecca remembers. “I was so happy and relieved that finally my family was getting at least a meal every day.”That meal marked a turning point.Rebecca first worked as a cleaner at the centre, then trained as a cook with the Danish Refugee Council – a role she has held since 2014.Now she stands on the other side of the serving line, offering to others what once sustained her.“I get very happy when giving fellow refugees food,” she says. “Because I know how important it was for me when I was also a new arrival.”Her empathy shapes how she serves.She vividly recalls one father arriving with ten hungry children after days without food.“The children were crying,” she says. “As a mother, I just felt by instinct I needed to serve them first.”She often prioritises older persons, pregnant women and people who are ill.“When you have ever been very hungry, then you know what I am saying,” she says. “Hunger can even make you steal food. I understand, and I serve people without complaint.”Rebecca also helps ensure each person receives the right ration – and always keeps a little aside. “I leave something in the saucepan in case someone missed serving time,” she says with a smile.Cooking has rebuilt her own life. She supports a household of 11, receives WFP cash assistance as a Category 1 refugee household, and her income helps pay school fees for seven children.With arrivals continuing in Uganda, she says support for hot meals is needed more than ever. “Please add more support, because food is still needed as more refugees keep coming.”Returning to South Sudan feels uncertain. “I am not sure if I will ever go back,” she says quietly. “But I pray for the best.”As the afternoon serving line grows at Ocea, Rebecca lifts another ladle of rice and beans – offering what once carried her family through their darkest days: a warm meal, a welcome and a reminder that even in displacement, hope can still be served hot. WFP delivers critical life-changing interventions in Uganda, thanks to government partners including Austria, Canada, Denmark, European Commission (ECHO), France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Republic of Korea, United Kingdom and the United States of America.

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20 August 2026

Tackling Illicit Financial Flows

The dialogue on the theme, “Protecting Uganda’s Development Finance and the Tenfold Growth Ambition” was co-convened by Office of the Prime Minister, the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) and the Embassy of Netherlands in Kampala on 20 August 2026.The participants included representatives from Government, Ministries, Agencies and Departments including, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development; Financial Intelligence Authority; Bank of Uganda and Uganda Revenue Authority; while representatives from the United Nations system included the UN Development Programme (UNDP), UN Office and Drugs and Crime (UNODC), UN Women, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). There were also representatives of development partners; private sector, civil society and academiaThe purpose of the dialogue was to build a shared policy position on how Uganda can strengthen financial integrity, reduce illicit financial flows and protect the resources required to deliver the Tenfold Growth Strategy.In remarks he delivered on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister, the Assistant Commissioner for Monitoring and Evaluation in Local Governments, Mr. Nathan Otutut, noted that “as Uganda seeks to grow its economy tenfold, we must confront a simple reality: we cannot mobilise our way to transformation while significant resources continue to leak out of the economy.” “The background to this dialogue estimates that Uganda may be losing more than UGX 2 trillion annually through illicit financial flows and related financial leakages. These figures represent resources that could finance infrastructure, productive sectors, schools, health facilities, Local Governments and better services for our citizens,” observed Otutut.“Our Tenfold Growth ambition therefore requires us to do three things at the same time: mobilise more, retain more and invest better. We must expand the resources available to finance Uganda’s development. But we must also strengthen our ability to protect those resources and ensure that they are productively deployed within the economy. That is why tackling illicit financial flows is not simply an anti-corruption, tax or compliance issue. It is fundamentally a development financing issue,” noted Otutut.In his remarks UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Leonard Zulu noted that, “sustainable development financing is not only about expanding the financing envelope; it is also about closing the leakages that deprive the economy of its growth potential. Illicit financial flows—including those associated with trade mis-invoicing, corruption, money laundering and tax-related abuses—can undermine domestic resource mobilisation, distort markets, weaken institutions and deprive the country of resources needed for development.”“Every resource lost through illicit channels represents an opportunity cost. It means fewer resources for education and health, infrastructure and productive sectors, opportunities for young people and entrepreneurs, and building resilience to climate and other shocks,” he added.Key emerging issues were the need to improve methods of measuring illicit financial flows, in order to track them better. It was noted that illicit financial flows were multi-dimensional and required action of various actors to be addressed effectively, highlighting the importance of coordination within government and with other stakeholders. It was observed the large percentage of informal and unregistered businesses In Uganda made it difficult to track illicit financial flows and therefore the formalization and registration of business would contribute to tracking illicit financial flows.It was observed that online trading, particularly in crypto currencies, made it difficult for authorities to track online illicit financial flows. Furthermore, it was noted that online criminals kept coming up with new innovations, and it was therefore necessary for law enforcement and other stakeholders to keep advancing their skills to keep ahead of the criminals.The dialogue recommended practical reforms to tackle illicit financial flows including strengthening coordination among both state and non-state actors.The dialogue participants agreed on the following actions:1. Improve the methods of measuring the value of illicit financial flows2. Develop a National Strategy3. Monitor and Evaluate efforts to stop illicit financial flows4. Use technology to tackle illicit financial flows

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05 August 2026

Kiteezi Landfill Rehabilitation Marks a Milestone in Uganda's Journey Towards Safer Waste Management

"I was born here and I grew up here. When the landfill collapsed, we were devastated because we lost everything. After that, we lived with hazardous gases and the stench from the dumpsite for a long time."These are the words of Godfrey Baluku, a resident of Kiteezi and survivor of the August 2024 landfill collapse, as he reflected on how life has changed for his community.Today, that fear is beginning to fade."We are now sleeping comfortably and can even hold meetings on the dumpsite without worrying that it will collapse again or that we will be choked by the stench," Godfrey said. While welcoming the progress, he appealed for continued investment, including a functioning drainage channel and a leachate treatment plant to strengthen long-term environmental safety.For nearly three decades, Kiteezi served Kampala and the Greater Metropolitan Area as the city's main solid waste disposal facility. On 10 August 2024, the landfill collapsed, claiming lives, destroying property and leaving surrounding communities devastated. The tragedy exposed the urgent need for safer and more sustainable waste management. One year later, hope is returning.On 5 August 2026, the United Nations in Uganda, through UN-Habitat and with generous support from the Government of Japan, officially handed over the rehabilitated sections of the Kiteezi dumpsite to the Government of Uganda and the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). The handover marked a significant milestone in restoring one of Uganda's most critical waste management sites while improving the safety of neighbouring communities.The rehabilitation exceeded its original target. While the project initially aimed to stabilize 4.3 hectares of the most vulnerable section, engineers successfully rehabilitated 6.8 hectares-covering nearly 47 per cent of the landfill and significantly reducing immediate instability risks. The works included embankment stabilization, terracing, controlled compaction, improved drainage, leachate management, access improvements, and preparation for landfill gas venting and leachate collection systems.During the handover ceremony, United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mr. Leonard Zulu praised the progress achieved through the partnership. He thanked the Government of Japan for its support and commended the engineers for delivering a solution that could be replicated at other landfill sites across Uganda using locally available materials and expertise.The Ambassador of Japan to Uganda, H.E. Sasayama Takuya, emphasized that sustainable waste management requires more than rehabilitating disposal sites, noting the importance of integrated planning for waste collection, transportation and disposal. Representing the Government of Uganda, Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja called for continuous monitoring and responsible management to safeguard the gains made and prevent future risks, while commending the United Nations for its continued partnership in advancing urban resilience and sustainable development.For residents like Godfrey, the rehabilitation represents more than an engineering achievement. It is the restoration of safety, dignity and hope. It also demonstrates what strong partnerships between the Government of Uganda, the Government of Japan, the United Nations and KCCA can achieve in building safer, healthier and more resilient communities.

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25 June 2026

A Long Walk, A Short Sachet: Two Karamoja Mothers on the Front Line of Hunger

Kotido/Kaabong, Uganda — By 11:00, the heat is already hard.At Rengen Health Centre in Kotido District, Karamoja, women press against the veranda wall, pulling their children closer as the sun pushes across the compound. Some fan babies with referral cards. Others stare ahead. Anna waits with Loketch on her lap.He is three. His hair has turned a dusty brown — one of the signs that told health workers he was in trouble. Anna is pregnant. Tired, too. They walked nearly 6 km to reach the health centre.“When my child fell sick, health workers came to my village and during screening they found my child was malnourished,” she says. “They told me to bring him here. Since he started taking the peanut paste [Ready to Use Therapeutic Food], I have seen a change.”Loketch has severe acute malnutrition (SAM) — the most dangerous form, the kind that kills without treatment. He is enrolled in UNICEF-supported outpatient care and is fed on sachets of ready-to-use therapeutic food, which help him gain weight.Nearly 65 kilometres north, in a Kaabong manyatta – a pastoralist homestead community - another mother lives through the earlier chapter of the same story.The village before the health centreEmpty granaries. Grass-thatched houses clustered behind shrub fences. Stacked firewood. Old men in shawls and faded t-shirts gather under a tree, listening to a radio. Dogs stretch out in the open ground. Children walk past, smiling. The men sniff medicinal tobacco — they say it clears the flu. This is where Regina Kine, 30, raises five children. Her youngest daughter, Perinina, aged 2, was screened by a Village Health Team and found to have moderate acute malnutrition (MAM), which, if unattended, quickly worsens, increasing the risk of the severe form Loketch is battling. “I really knew because there was no food in my house. We survive on the green leafy vegetables I bring from the garden,” Regina recalls the moment she got the results. “My breast milk could not satisfy the child.” Catching children at Perinina's stage — before they slip into Loketch's — is where WFP focuses. When the community team came to her village, they registered Perinina into the targeted supplementary feeding programme and gave Regina a month's ration: 30 sachets of ready-to-use supplementary food and one packet of Super Cereal.“In each day of the week, I give my child one packet,” Regina says. “I have noticed a little body gain. It gives me hope.” Closing the care gapIn 2026, WFP and UNICEF are mounting a joint response, funded through the Uganda Humanitarian Fund: prevention and MAM treatment from WFP; SAM treatment and active case finding from UNICEF; and referral shared.UNICEF will screen 90,000 under-5s and treat 15,500 for severe malnutrition; WFP targets 27,000 moderate cases and 3,000 mothers with support, delivered in kind or through cash-based transfers, focusing on Kaabong, Kotido, and Moroto.“For the first time, we are bringing cash into the nutrition response,” says Juliana Muiruri, Head of Nutrition at WFP Uganda. “It puts families in control of preventing poor nutrition — helping them access nutritious foods and essential services locally. Prevention is critical: it is how we keep children well and out of inpatient care.”UNICEF picks up the next phase. When malnutrition screening tapes turn red — and a childlike Loketch is found to be wasting — UNICEF ensures therapeutic foods are available in health facilities, trains staff to manage the worst cases, and supports inpatient wards when complications arise.“No child should wait until severe malnutrition threatens their life before they get help,” says Zakaria Fusheini, Chief of Nutrition at UNICEF Uganda. “The earlier we find children at risk, the better their chance of survival.” Why it matters nowThe 2026 Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, released this June, puts the numbers behind the current scale of malnutrition in Karamoja.Between April and July 2026, 473,000 people in the region — about 32 percent of the analysed population — face crisis-level hunger or worse, including roughly 41,000 in IPC Phase 4 (Emergency). Kaabong and Kotido — the districts Regina and Anna call home — are classified in IPC Acute Malnutrition Phase 4 (Critical), the most severe tier. Across 43 districts of Uganda, 428,000 children aged 6–59 months and 84,000 pregnant or breastfeeding women need malnutrition treatment in the year ahead. Karamoja's recovery from the 2023–24 crisis has not landed evenly. Rains stay erratic. Prices stay high. Only 18 percent of young children receive a minimum acceptable diet. Without prevention and early treatment, children cycle from MAM into SAM into the inpatient ward — and sometimes do not come back.

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02 October 2026

Choice in difficult times: Cash assistance helps refugee families put food on the table

Outside her home in Bidibidi refugee settlement, northern Uganda, Suzan, a refugee from South Sudan, arranges tomatoes, onions and small piles of mukene – dried silver fish – on her food stall. The business brings in extra income that helps her feed her family.Each month, Suzan receives the equivalent of UGX 64,000 (about US$16) from the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) through mobile money. The amount is calculated for four people at the rate for WFP’s 30 percent food-basket category, which is intended to cover only part of a person’s basic food needs. Nine people depend on it.Funding shortfalls over the years, and especially in 2025, have forced WFP to reduce food assistance to refugees in Uganda. In May 2025 alone, WFP had to cut food assistance for 1 million refugees, leaving about 663,000 receiving support at the time. Today, WFP supports 784,000 refugees.Cash cannot make Suzan’s assistance any bigger, but it lets her decide how to use it – and she has turned that choice into a small business that helps keep her family going.“For me, cash makes a big difference,” she says.Suzan fled fighting in Yei, South Sudan, seeking safety with her family in Uganda.“We decided to leave because of the fighting,” she recalls. “We wanted our children to be safe.”She initially received food from WFP. Collecting it meant walking a long distance and carrying the supplies home.“Before, I had to walk about five kilometres to collect food and carry heavy loads,” she says. “Now I receive the money on my phone. There is no lining up. It is very easy.” The transition to cash assistance for refugees came with WFP training in budgeting and managing money.“When we were told we would receive cash, we were trained on how to use it,” Suzan explains. “They [WFP] taught us how to plan for food and even how to invest.”She put that training into practice, buying food for the family and setting aside money to start her stall.“When I receive the money, I first budget for food – things like cooking oil, maize or cassava flour,” she says. “Then I use some to buy items for my business like onions, tomatoes, beans and salt.”Sales from the stall bring in additional money to help cover the family’s needs.“This helps me get extra income. It supports my family beyond the cash I receive.”Suzan also puts some of her earnings into a village savings group. How much she saves depends on how business has gone that week.“I try to save UGX 5,000 [about US$1.30],” she says. “Sometimes, if business is not good, I save only UGX 2,000 [about US$0.50]. But I make sure I save something.” Spending by families such as Suzan’s can also benefit the traders and producers who supply them. WFP research in four Ugandan refugee settlements found that food and cash assistance can support incomes beyond the families receiving it, including in neighbouring Ugandan communities. The effects varied between settlements and types of assistance.With support from European Union Humanitarian Aid, WFP is providing digital cash assistance to refugees in Uganda through mobile money and banking agents.Digital transfers also reach people quickly and safely, without crowding at food distribution points. “Cash transfers are at the heart of a more efficient and people-centred humanitarian response, empowering refugees by putting choice in their hands,” says Marcus Prior, WFP’s Deputy Country Director in Uganda.Yet choice cannot make up for an amount set for four people and shared among nine. Her business and savings help Suzan manage that gap, but they have not removed her family’s need for food assistance.Suzan's family is not alone. More than 642,000 people in Uganda's refugee settlements face Crisis or worse levels of acute hunger, according to the latest IPC analysis, and acute malnutrition is expected to rise as harvests fail. New arrivals continue, with more than 147,000 refugees registered in 2025. WFP urgently needs new funding to keep food assistance reaching families like Suzan's.“I am happy that I am still alive,” she says. “This help allows me and my family to continue surviving.” Learn more about WFP's work in Uganda.Suzan’s surname is withheld for her protection. WFP conducted this interview in June 2026.WFP gratefully acknowledges European Union Humanitarian Aid (DG ECHO) for supporting life-saving food assistance, delivered through digital cash transfers, to refugees in Uganda.

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01 October 2026

Community Health at the Frontline: Uganda Expands Free Malaria Diagnosis and Treatment from Under-Fives to All Ages

Uganda is advancing an ambitious transformation of community healthcare by expanding malaria diagnosis and treatment services from children under five years of age to people of all ages. This shift represents a major milestone in the country's efforts to reduce malaria morbidity and mortality while strengthening primary healthcare and accelerating progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).“Having a VHT nearby means my grandchildren can be tested quickly without wasting valuable time travelling to a health facility. This helps prevent delays in diagnosis and treatment, which can save lives,” said Grace Auma, grandmother of Joshua Ekimwere. Despite significant progress in malaria control, major barriers to timely treatment remain. Nearly half of malaria patients seek treatment more than 24 hours after the onset of symptoms, while many fail to complete treatment or rely on non-recommended or poor-quality medicines. As a result, severe malaria rates in Uganda remain substantially higher than the global average. Furthermore, households continue to bear a large share of malaria-related costs, creating a vicious cycle of illness, lost productivity, and poverty, particularly among vulnerable communities.For many years, Integrated Community Case Management (iCCM) services in Uganda primarily focused on children under five. Under a new Ministry of Health-led approach, Village Health Teams (VHTs) and Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) are being empowered to diagnose and treat malaria among all age groups, including school-age children and adults. Using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), trained community health workers can identify malaria and provide life-saving artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) free of charge at the village level.This expansion is particularly important for rural and hard-to-reach communities where access to health facilities often requires long travel distances and additional costs. Families that previously struggled to access a simple malaria test can now receive quality diagnosis and treatment close to home, reducing delays in care and preventing severe illness. The initiative is much more than the provision of free medicines. It represents a systematic strengthening of Uganda's primary healthcare system. By extending services beyond young children, the programme addresses a larger reservoir of malaria infection, helping reduce transmission and supporting the country's malaria elimination efforts.Currently, approximately 85,000 Village Health Team members provide community-based health services across Uganda. The programme continues to expand into new districts, bringing essential malaria services closer to millions of people and reinforcing communities as the first line of defense against the disease.Strong partnerships have been instrumental in making this vision a reality. Under the Ministry of Health leadership The World Health Organization (WHO) serves as the technical lead in supporting this paradigm shift, aligned with Uganda's innovative 24-2 Hours Initiative, which aims to ensure access to quality malaria diagnosis and treatment within 24 hours of symptom onset and life-saving pre-referral treatment for severe malaria cases within two hours. WHO provides strategic guidance to strengthen community-based malaria services and integrate them within the broader health system. Looking ahead, WHO is supporting the transformation of community-based malaria case management into a comprehensive package of integrated malaria elimination services. This expanded approach includes malaria vaccination, social and behaviour change interventions, community engagement, social marketing of personal protection measures, support for environmental management and vector control activities, and the promotion of chemoprophylaxis among eligible populations.Development partners continue to play a vital role. The Global Fund supports community health system strengthening, electronic Community Health Information Systems (eCHIS) commodities and implementation cost. The programme currently operates in 80 districts, with plans for further expansion into high-burden and epidemic-prone areas. The United States Government, through its malaria and health programmes, supports training, technical assistance, commodity availability, and digital health innovations. UNICEF, with support from partners, is contributing to the revitalization of Village Health Teams and strengthening community engagement.The Government of Uganda has positioned community-based malaria case management at the centre of its national health agenda. The Uganda Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan (2026-2030) identifies iCCM scale-up as a key intervention to reduce malaria-related illness and death while improving access to healthcare in underserved communities. Importantly, the Government is institutionalizing community health services through sustained support for VHTs and CHEWs, ensuring that community-based care becomes a permanent pillar of the primary healthcare system.By bringing free malaria diagnosis and treatment closer to where people live, Uganda is demonstrating how community health systems can save lives, reduce poverty, improve health equity, and strengthen resilience. The initiative is expected to improve access to quality-assured malaria services, reduce demand for hospitalization, lower malaria-related economic losses, and accelerate progress toward a malaria-free future. Uganda's experience offers a powerful example of how government leadership, community engagement, and strong partnerships can work together to deliver health services to those who need them most.

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Janet Agwang a Village Health Team member

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24 September 2026

Uganda steps up efforts to advance durable solutions for refugees

The Government of Uganda stepped up efforts to translate its commitments on durable solutions for refugees into concrete action, with a two-day technical workshop on 23 and 24 September 2026 at the UNICEF-WFP Common Offices in Mbuya, Kampala.Led by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), the workshop brought together Government and partners under the Durable Solutions National Initiative to strengthen coordination, identify implementation priorities and advance practical pathways towards lasting solutions for refugees.“We are here to examine what is already in place, identify the main opportunities and barriers, and agree on what needs to be done to accelerate durable solutions in Uganda,” said Ms. Hellen Bugaari, Director of the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF) Secretariat at OPM.Durable Solutions is one of Uganda’s five pledges under the 2023 Global Refugee Forum. However, the 2025 national stocktaking and mid-term review identified progress on this commitment as an area requiring greater attention and more concrete action. With Uganda continuing to face protracted displacement, new refugee arrivals, mounting pressure on host communities and public services, and constrained resources, the National Initiative seeks to move beyond individual efforts towards a clearer, more coordinated approach to implementation.Speaking on behalf of the United Nations, Mr. Leonard Zulu, UN Resident Coordinator in Uganda, encouraged participants to approach the discussions with openness, courage and a solutions-oriented mindset.“The attitude we should have here in the room is that we can do,” he said, urging participants to think outside the box and explore practical opportunities to address the challenges facing refugees seeking lasting solutions.Over the two days, participants identified priority actions across durable solutions pathways, policy and institutional requirements, stakeholder commitments, and resource and financing needs. The discussions also helped shape commitments for the High-Level Dialogue scheduled for 7 October 2026.“We need to move from commitments and individual initiatives towards a clearer and more coordinated approach to implementation,” Ms. Bugaari emphasized. The technical workshop will lay the foundation for the High-Level Dialogue, which will provide strategic direction, endorsement and commitments. A subsequent Task Team will take forward roadmap development, implementation, resource mobilization, coordination and monitoring.Achieving durable solutions requires collective action, bringing together Government leadership, international responsibility-sharing, regional cooperation, humanitarian and development partners, the private sector, refugees and host communities.Mr. Zulu thanked the Government of Uganda for maintaining its open-door refugee policy and reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s refugee response and efforts to advance durable solutions.The workshop marked an important step towards translating Uganda’s commitments into coordinated action and advancing lasting solutions for refugees and their host communities.

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Group photo at Durable Solutions Technical Workshop

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17 September 2026

Promoting Accountability, Integrity and Transparency in Justice in Uganda

On 17 September 2026, the Promoting Accountability, Integrity and Transparency in Justice in Uganda Project was launched by the Honourable Deputy Chief Justice Moses Kazibwe Kawumi at Sheraton Kampala Hotel.The keynote address was delivered by the Inspector General of Government (IGG) Lady Justice Naluzze Aisha Batala. The event was attended by senior Government officials, United Nations Officials, development partners and civil society representatives.The project will implemented by United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), with the generous support of the Government of Austria, in Moroto and Gulu districts on a two-year initiative with a national outlook. The project has two outcomes: 1. Improved case management systems that are operational, automated, and institutionally coordinated across the criminal justice chain. 2. Strengthened anti-corruption policy frameworks and inclusive engagement of women’s rights organisations and civil society.Speaking during the launch, the Head of Austrian Embassy/ Development Cooperation, Dr. Katja Yvonne Kerschbaumer said, “Austria’s investment in this initiative comes because justice systems are central to public trust, sustainable development and human dignity. When justice institutions are efficient, transparent and accountable, citizens are better able to claim their rights, resolve disputes and participate meaningfully in society.”In his remarks, UN Resident Coordinator in Uganda, Mr. Leonard Zulu said, “today’s event represents more than the commencement of a new project. It reflects our shared commitment to strengthen Uganda's justice and accountability sector through accountable institutions, transparent systems, integrity in public service, and improved access to justice for all, particularly the most vulnerable communities.” “This collaboration therefore brings together Austria's commitment to sustainable development and effective governance with UNODC's technical expertise in strengthening criminal justice systems and the rule of law, thereby creating a strong partnership that advances both Uganda's national priorities and the global Sustainable Development Goals,” added Mr. Zulu.For his part, UNODC Regional Representative for East Africa, Mr. Ali Elbereir, noted that “In line with the UNODC Strategic Vision for Eastern Africa 2024–2030, the project contributes to safeguarding people and institutions from corruption and economic crime, while supporting efforts to make criminal justice systems more effective and accountable.”While UNODC Head of Office in Uganda Ms. Winnie Jeptum Bargoria pointed out that, “as a critical first step, UNODC commissioned a baseline assessment in Gulu and Moroto Districts to establish the evidence needed to guide implementation, measure progress, and ensure that our interventions respond to the realities and priorities of the communities and institutions we serve.”

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16 September 2026

UN Resident Coordinator visits Northern Uganda to assess UN support

UN Resident Coordinator in Uganda, Mr. Leonard Zulu, has concluded a three-day field mission to Northern Uganda to assess how the United Nations Cooperation Framework 2021–2025 has contributed to communities and draw lessons to inform implementation of the new Cooperation Framework 2026–2030.From 14 to 16 September, Mr. Zulu visited communities and UN-supported interventions in Kiryandongo, Lamwo and Adjumani, engaging with local authorities, communities, refugees and UN staff on the ground. The mission provided an opportunity to see first-hand how UN support is contributing to livelihoods, health, water and sanitation, nutrition, agriculture and protection, while identifying areas where interventions can be strengthened.A key lesson from the mission was the importance of connecting interventions across sectors and ensuring that programmes respond to the realities faced by communities. Discussions highlighted the need for continued attention to health and nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), emergency agriculture, mental health, gender-based violence and adolescent pregnancy, alongside support to strengthen livelihoods and resilience. In Kiryandongo, Settlement Commandant under the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), Mr. Vincent Amaruma, welcomed the UN team and called for partners to continuously reflect on how they can work collectively and efficiently despite limited resources. He also emphasized the need for refugee interventions to increasingly promote self-reliance rather than dependency.In Lamwo, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Mr. Samuel Logu stressed the importance of addressing food insecurity, noting that “a hungry stomach will do anything to survive; we need to take care of the food situation in this region.” The Lamwo Resident District Commissioner Mr. William Komakech also called for greater focus on mindset change to enable young people to engage in livelihood programmes and move away from destructive activities.The mission further highlighted the value of Uganda’s open-door refugee policy and the need for sustainable infrastructure and community-based approaches that can be expanded to reach more people. “Uganda’s open-door policy towards refugees remains important, but sustaining it will require continued partnership, investment and effective coordination,” Mr. Zulu said during the mission debrief.He also underscored the importance of ensuring that UN-supported initiatives have a clear purpose and generate lasting results for the people they serve. “Without clarity of purpose, valuable initiatives risk losing momentum or impact,” he said, emphasizing the need to communicate results and strengthen the sustainability of interventions.The lessons from the field mission will contribute to ongoing efforts to strengthen UN programming under the Cooperation Framework 2026–2030 and ensure that future support is increasingly responsive, coordinated and focused on sustainable impact.

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Press Release

06 August 2026

Partners Launch the Sports for National Development Consortium to Maximize Uganda’s AFCON 2027 Legacy

Kampala, Uganda | 6 August 2026 - The Government of Uganda, together with the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA), Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), United Nations Global Pulse (UN Global Pulse), and other strategic partners today officially launched the Sports for National Development (SND) Consortium. The SND is a multi-stakeholder platform established to maximize the socio-economic opportunities presented by Uganda’s co-hosting of the 2027 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).The launch was held at Mestil Hotel in Kampala, and it brought together the AFCON – CHAN Local Organizing Committee, senior government officials, development partners, private sector leaders, sports administrators, academia, civil society organizations, and cultural institutions to unveil a shared vision for positioning AFCON 2027 as a key ingredient for sustainable development, economic growth, tourism promotion, innovation, investment, and national transformation.The SND Consortium was established on the shared belief that AFCON 2027 offers Uganda an opportunity to create a lasting development legacy beyond football. The Consortium seeks to ensure that through coordinated partnerships between government, development partners, the private sector, academia, civil society, and the sports community, the tournament generates sustainable benefits for young people, communities, businesses, and the nation long after the final whistle.Delivering a remark on behalf of the Government of Uganda, Hon. Peter Ogwang, the Minister of State for Sports and Co-Chairperson, AFCON Local Organizing Committee (LOC) appreciated the invitation to participate in the launch of the consortium. He outlined that “I was, from the outset, strongly supportive of the objectives of the consortium. The strategic consortium pillars of (i) Data and analytics (ii) Strengthened Football Ecosystem and Engagement (iii) Strategic Investment Intelligence, (iv) Destination Uganda and (v) Legacy and Sustainability remain relevant to the work we are doing."These pillars are intended to position Uganda’s hosting process as a coordinated national development programme, that augments critical infrastructure and related hosting investments by generating evidence, coordinating investment, and delivering measurable national development outcomes before, during and after the event.Uganda’s, and the regional improved hosting capacity is our premier legacy benefit, which presents a new opportunity to attract and host local, regional and international sports tournaments and events. Further, there is now opportunity for Ugandan athletes to develop talents using local facilities which is a more affordable approach when contrasted with training in foreign facilities. The long-term viability of sport industry in Uganda, therefore, will be much a result of catalytic investments by Government in infrastructure and talent development, as will be the result of complementary efforts of actors in the larger macro economy, such as the SND Consortium.Speaking at the launch, Hon. Moses Magogo, President of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), emphasized “It is a competition that is watched in over 150 countries, meaning it is an opportunity to project the country to the world. For us it is an opportunity to grow our economy. It is an opportunity to tell our story as East Africa. When we have data we can further enhance our story, we can inform development that is catalysed by hosting the AFCON” Speaking on behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Leonard Zulu, the UN Migration/IOM Chief of Mission, Mr. Sanusi Savage stated that “In our Joint Statement introducing the Cooperation Framework, by the Right Honourable Prime Minister and myself on behalf of the Government of Uganda and the United Nations, we observed that "business as usual will not deliver" Uganda's ambition of achieving ten-fold economic growth and high middle-income status. Instead, we called for a different way of working—one driven by urgency, discipline, innovation, and stronger partnerships. Today's Consortium embodies exactly that spirit.”Speaking on behalf of Ms. Nwanne Vwede-Obahor, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Mr. Abdourahmane Dia, Operations Manager of UNDP Uganda, for the consortium partners, stated that, “Our shared task is to ensure that for Uganda, that the final whistle does not signal an ending, but a new kick-off. One that unlocks lasting opportunities for jobs, tourism, enterprise development, infrastructure, national pride and regional integration. Look around this room and you will see the power of strategic partnership of the SND. FUFA brings the game and its ecosystem. The Uganda Manufacturers Association brings the productive sector that will supply, build and merchandise this tournament. The Uganda Tourism Board brings the destination, so that visitors will not only come for football, but also for Uganda’s lasting experience, remembering Uganda for who we are. UN Global Pulse, UNESCO and UNDP bring frontier data science and analytics; culture and heritage; and convening role, policy depth and investment facilitation, the connective tissue between evidence and decision-making. No single institution can capture the AFCON dividend alone. Together, we can ensure it is anticipated, measured, financed and expertly delivered.”In delivering his remarks, Mr. Anton Garcia Alvara, the Chargé d'Affaires of the European Union Delegation to Uganda noted that, “the EU is proud to support initiatives that enhance sports for national development. Football talent is not automatic, it is about development, the results take years but eventually as is seen by results in Spain’s football, internationally and in its domestic leagues is a deliberate investment. There is significant opportunity in AFCON, talent needs to be nurtured, talent needs opportunity, talent needs infrastructure and the results can last for generations.”A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Consortium’s vision and collaborative arrangements, followed by the official signing of the symbolic Consortium Plaque by the partners, symbolizing their shared commitment to turn the vision into action. The launch further provided a platform for dialogue among government institutions, development partners, the private sector, sports organizations, and civil society on opportunities for collaboration in infrastructure development, tourism, investment promotion, innovation, skills development, youth employment, and cultural exchange.As Uganda prepares to co-host Africa’s biggest football tournament, the SND Consortium aims to ensure that the tournament becomes a transformative national development programme that is creating jobs, strengthening institutions, attracting investment, enhancing Uganda’s global profile, and advancing sustainable social and economic benefits for communities across the country.About the Sports for National Development ConsortiumThe Sports for National Development Consortium is a multi-stakeholder partnership established by FUFA, UNDP, UNESCO, Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA), Uganda Tourism Board (UTB), United Nations Global Pulse (UNGP) and other partners to maximize the socio-economic opportunities arising from Uganda's co-hosting of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The initiative seeks to promote coordinated action across five strategic pillars; Data and Analytics, Football Ecosystem and Engagement, Strategic Investment Intelligence, Destination Uganda, and Legacy and Sustainability, to ensure that AFCON 2027 contributes to Uganda’s long-term national development agenda.Media Contact
UNDP Communications Team UNESCO Communication Officer Email: Michelle.Awak@undp.org v.ogal@unesco.org Telephone: +256782 876 379 +256704818405

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Press Release

07 May 2026

Japan contributes approximately US$ 6 million to support refugees and host communities in multiple fields in Uganda

The support has been channeled through the United Nations agencies: the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), and International Organization for Migration (IOM).Ambassador Sasayama delivered a speech, stating: “I am honored to announce Japan’s contribution under the supplementary budget for 2025-2026 to the Government of Uganda with a total amount of approximately US$ 6 million.” Commending Uganda’s generosity in hosting over 1.9 million refugees as an “island of peace,” he highlighted that “her commitment to peace and humanitarian values is especially commendable at a time when the world is undergoing the most significant structural changes since the postwar period, marked by shifts in the balance of power and escalating conflicts and tensions, with the security environment becoming increasingly challenging.”Mr. Douglas Asiimwe, Assistant Commissioner for Refugees at the Office of the Prime Minister, who attended the press conference, said, “I would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Japan for their generous support through the United Nations.” He continued, “Japan has been a trusted and strategic partner in advancing Uganda’s refugee response,” and added, “We will continue to work closely with all partners to ensure that Japan’s valuable support achieves the greatest possible impact in supporting both refugees and host communities in a sustainable manner.”“Japan’s Supplementary Budget allocations have consistently supported the work of the United Nations in Uganda over the years. The newly announced contribution of about US$ 6 million is both timely and critical. It will strengthen assistance for refugees and the communities hosting them,” said the UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Leonard Zulu. He added that the new contributions specifically boost nutrition response efforts, enhance protection for newly arrived populations, and establish community managed solar energy hubs serving both refugee and host community spaces. Present at the press conference were representatives of the involved UN agencies: Mr. Bernard Inkoom (UNHCR Uganda, Deputy Representative a.i.); Mr. Marcus Prior (WFP Uganda, Deputy Country Director); and Mr. Sanusi Savage (IOM Uganda, Chief of Mission).UNHCR has received US$ 2.03 million in support of the Uganda Country Refugee Response Plan (UCRRP) 2026-2030. This funding will enable UNHCR to provide protection and assistance for 160,000 new arrivals in reception facilities across Uganda during 2026. The contribution will play a crucial role in ensuring that new arrivals are registered and are provided with basic services including access to clean water and medical care. Protection services including mental health support for children and women who are at risk or who have experienced trauma will also be provided. The intervention will also enable the distribution of essential assistance packages including blankets, sleeping mats, kitchen sets and soap, to meet the immediate basic needs of new arrivals. The funding represents a significant act of solidarity with Uganda, reinforcing the commitment to humanitarian assistance and welfare of forcibly displaced people.WFP has received a US$ 666,666 contribution from Japan, which will fund essential and lifesaving nutritional support to newly arrived refugees in Uganda. This contribution will help combat acute food insecurity and malnutrition among 13,000 children under five, and pregnant and breastfeeding women, through hot meals and specialized nutritious foods at reception centers, designated border points and settlements. As Uganda nears 2 million refugees, continued arrivals from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, and South Sudan make Japan’s timely support critical for those most at risk.IOM, in partnership with the Government of Uganda, is launching a new one-year project: Building Sustainable Livelihoods through Community Energy Hubs in West Nile Refugee Settlements. The US$ 1 million initiative will establish two solar-powered energy hubs in Yumbe District, one in a refugee settlement and one in a host community, to expand access to clean, reliable energy and support local economic activity. The hubs will enable access to power for services such as cold storage, milling, irrigation, and digital connectivity, while strengthening community governance structures, skills development, and cooperative models. The project will also link energy access to climate-smart agriculture and local value chains, with a strong focus on women- and youth-led enterprises and solutions that contribute to reducing long-term reliance on food assistance.For more information please contact:Embassy of Japan in UgandaUNHCR UgandaSayaka AritaFrank WalusimbiCoordinator for Economic Cooperation Associate Communications OfficerTel: +256 752 966 130 Tel: +256 772 701 140Email: sayaka.arita@mofa.go.jpEmail: walusimf@unhcr.orgWFP UgandaIOM UgandaDidas KisemboSarah CARLCommunication OfficerHead of Programme and Policy DevelopmentTel: +256 757 453 232Tel: +256 760 079 965Email: didas.kisembo@wfp.org Email: scarl@iom.int

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Press Release

08 December 2025

Children and their Rights need to be protected and promoted during Uganda’s election process

KAMPALA, UGANDA – 8 December 2025 –As Uganda goes through a pivotal election period, the National Initiative for Civic Education in Uganda (NICE-UG), the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), Uganda Child Rights NGO Network (UCRNN), and UNICEF Uganda call on all political actors, the media, parents, and the public to prioritize the protection and promotion of child rights during the 2026 election season in Uganda.The national and international child rights protection institutions are highlighting that children must be kept out of political spaces and protected from harm. The four institutions are reminding Ugandans that elections are a cornerstone of democracy and a key moment to prioritize the well-being of children and the fulfilment of the right of every child in Uganda. Elections cannot come at the expense of the safety, dignity, and well-being of Uganda’s children.‘Protecting children from harm and exploitation is not optional. It is a shared responsibility. It is the duty of all parents and caregivers, teachers, religious, cultural, and political leaders, and the media fraternity to ensure that children are protected during elections’, said Mr. Joseph Biribonwa, Chairperson, National Initiative for Civic Education in Uganda.The participation of children in rallies and campaign activities is a violation of their right to protection that exposes them to physical and psychological harm. Involving children in political advertising is child exploitation and violates children’s right to privacy and safety. The human rights and child protection actors are calling upon all stakeholders to respect and uphold the rights of every child before, during, and after the election process, and are appealing to the general public to report any child rights violations through established helplines and reporting mechanisms.‘More than half of all Ugandan citizens are children. Investing in children, listening to their voices and promoting their rights needs to be a priority during these elections,’ said Mr. Damon Wamara, Executive Director of Uganda Child Rights NGO Network.Political parties and candidates are urged to commit to child-friendly policies and practices, ensuring that their campaigns and political programmes reflect the best interests of children. To support their appeal for a child-friendly campaign and policies, the child rights organizations developed, inspired by the manifesto that Ugandan children produced under the guidance of the Uganda Child Rights NGO Network, a guiding document for political parties and candidates who are competing during the 2026 general elections. The document calls on politicians to prioritize child rights issues during the campaign and in their political programmes, and to commit to concrete actions to tackle teenage pregnancies, fight malnutrition, promote access to early childhood education and protect children against violence, among others.This document was shared recently with the political parties. Political parties and candidates are invited to be inspired by the document as they canvass for votes and to commit to holding child-friendly campaigns.Hon. Mariam Wangadya, the Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission, stressed: ‘We urge all political actors, media, parents, and the public to protect children’s rights during the election period. Let us not allow this election to compromise the safety and well-being of our children.’ ’To ensure the rights of children are respected during the election period, the child rights partners developed a set of practical DOs and DONTs for the general public as well as for children, parents, politicians and the media. The DOs and DONTs - including printed flyers - are being widely disseminated through social media platforms and mass media partners, and at events. ‘UNICEF remains dedicated to working with the Government of Uganda and alongside all partners, including cultural, faith-based and civil society organisations, to protect and promote children’s rights, ensuring their safety and well-being across the country during and after the election period,’ said Dr Robin Nandy, UNICEF Country Representative.Experience from previous elections in Uganda and the region has shown that children face heightened risks during election periods, including exposure to violence, exploitation, and disruption of essential services. Through strengthened coordination, the development and dissemination of advocacy materials, strong reporting and mitigation initiatives, the child rights organizations aim to ensure children’s rights are upheld throughout the electoral process.About UNICEFUNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.For more information about UNICEF and its work for children, visit www.unicef.org/uganda

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Press Release

08 December 2025

Children and their Rights need to be protected and promoted during Uganda’s election process

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Press Release

10 June 2025

UN Allocates US$2.5 million in emergency funding to support surging refugee influx in Uganda

The funds, provided through the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), will enable three UN Agencies – United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), UN World Food Programme (WFP) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) continue to deliver critical services such as food, nutrition, water, medical care, and protection for refugees in their first two weeks of arrival. The response will focus on Uganda’s overstretched transit and reception centers in Kabazana, Nyakabande, and Matanda, in the Southwest sub-region. Uganda, already Africa’s largest refugee-hosting country, has seen a dramatic increase in new arrivals—more than 65,000 Congolese refugees from January to May 2025—pushing the total number of refugees in the country to nearly 1,900,000.“We are grateful for this timely and urgently needed contribution from the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund. It comes at a moment when our capacities are severely stretched and will be a step in the right direction to help us provide urgent support to the thousands of people arriving in search of international protection and assistance. Emergency response funding and strong partnerships like this are critical to sustaining Uganda’s progressive refugee policy and continuing dignified support for all refugees,” said Leonard Zulu, UN Resident Coordinator in UgandaThe sharp spike in displacement—a 600% increase from the same period last year—has pushed Uganda’s reception system to a breaking point. Many refugees, mainly from Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Sudan, are arriving traumatized, malnourished, and in urgent need of care after harrowing journeys.Matthew Crentsil, UNHCR Representative in Uganda, said, “This CERF allocation will enable us to provide immediate and essential services—clean water, health care, and protection—at reception centers operating far beyond capacity. Timely and targeted support like this is critical to sustaining a coordinated emergency response.”With food pipelines under threat, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) warned of serious consequences without swift support.“This CERF funding is a lifeline—it helps us prevent a full-blown food crisis within an already dire humanitarian emergency,” said Marcus Prior, WFP Country Director. “It enables us to deliver immediate food and nutrition support when refugees need it most—right at the point of arrival.”UNICEF is focusing on child health, as malnutrition rates soar among new arrivals.“We are seeing children arrive in extremely weakened states, many suffering from malaria and severe malnutrition,” said Robin Nandy, UNICEF Representative in Uganda. “This funding will allow us to scale up emergency nutrition services by continuing to screen and treat malnourished children and provide life-saving health interventions for those most in need.”.”The Government of Uganda welcomed the support, calling it a timely boost as the country struggles to manage an escalating humanitarian emergency amid dwindling donor resources.Ends Media Contacts:UN Resident Coordinator’s Office UNHCR UgandaMichael Wangusa Frank WalusimbiCommunication Officer Assoc. Communications OfficerTel: +256 771 005 988 Tel: +256 772701140Email: michael.wangusa@un.org Email: walusimf@unhcr.org WFP Uganda UNICEF UgandaDidas Kisembo Catherine Ntabadde Communication Officer Communication SpecialistTel: +256 757 453 232 Tel: +256 772 147 111Email: didas.kisembo@wfp.org Email: cntabadde@unicef.org

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