Uganda is expected to host over 2 million refugees by the end of 2025 due to worsening conflicts in neighboring countries, according to the United Nations.
The UN says that ongoing violence in Sudan, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is forcing more people to flee their homes and seek safety in Uganda. Currently, an average of 600 refugees cross into Uganda every day.
“Uganda is already sheltering 1.93 million refugees. If the current trend continues, the number will hit 2 million by year’s end,” said Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, during a press briefing in New York.
Uganda is known for having one of the most welcoming refugee policies in the world. Refugees in Uganda are allowed to:
Live in local communities (not just camps),
Access healthcare and education,
Work and start businesses.
However, the country is now struggling to keep up with the growing needs of both refugees and host communities due to a lack of funding.
According to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), Uganda’s refugee response is only 25% funded for 2025. This means food, medical care, shelter, and education for refugees are all at serious risk.
“We urgently need more international funding and long-term support,” said Haq. “Without it, years of progress could be lost, and vulnerable people will suffer.”
Here’s a closer look at what’s driving the refugee crisis:
Sudan: Ongoing war between the army and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has caused tens of thousands to flee, with widespread violence and growing famine conditions.
South Sudan: Political instability, flooding, and armed conflict continue to force people from their homes.
DR Congo (Eastern region): Armed rebel groups are intensifying attacks, displacing families on a daily basis.
Many of those fleeing are children, women, and the elderly, arriving with nothing and in need of urgent care.
Ugandan officials and the UN are calling on donor countries, international organizations, and humanitarian agencies to:
Increase funding,
Send medical and food aid,
Support peaceful resolutions in crisis-hit countries.
“Uganda is doing its part. But without global solidarity, this crisis will grow beyond control,” said a Ugandan government source.
Country Current Refugees in Uganda
South Sudan ~1 million
DRC ~520,000
Sudan ~250,000
Others ~160,000
Total 1.93 million (projected 2M)
Uganda is showing great compassion in hosting nearly 2 million refugees, more than any other country in Africa. But as conflicts rage on across the region, the world must step up—or risk turning a humanitarian success into a tragedy.
