Uganda is preparing to repatriate more than 2,000 Sudanese refugees who have voluntarily requested to return home, citing improved conditions in Sudan. The move comes as Uganda grapples with the largest refugee population in Africa—nearly 2 million people—amid severe funding shortages and dwindling humanitarian aid.
Voluntary Return Amid Improved Security
The repatriation program, set to begin in September 2025, follows requests from refugees who say security in parts of Sudan has improved enough for them to return. However, this small-scale return underscores a much larger crisis.
Uganda, known for its progressive refugee policies—including granting land and access to public services—is now facing unprecedented strain. By late July 2025, the country hosted 1.9 million refugees, with around 600 new arrivals daily. The number is projected to reach 2 million by the end of the year, with most fleeing conflicts in South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sudan.
Funding Shortfall Threatens Vital Services
The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) warns that emergency support for refugees is expected to run out by September. A severe funding crisis has forced cuts to essential services, including food, healthcare, and shelter. Monthly aid per refugee has plummeted from $16 to just $5, leaving many at risk of malnutrition, disease, and exploitation.
“The situation is dire,” said a UNHCR spokesperson. “Without urgent international support, Uganda’s open-door policy—which has been a lifeline for millions—could collapse.”
Call for Global Action
The UNHCR is appealing for immediate funding and long-term solutions to sustain Uganda’s refugee response. Meanwhile, the planned repatriation of Sudanese refugees offers a glimmer of hope, though it does little to alleviate the broader crisis.
As Uganda braces for more arrivals, the international community faces mounting pressure to step in before conditions worsen.
