Uganda marks World Refugee Day amid Ebola response, reaffirms commitment to refugee protection
Uganda currently hosts more than two million refugees and asylum seekers, making it one of the world's largest refugee-hosting nations.
Uganda and the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) have reaffirmed their commitment to protecting refugees and asylum seekers as the world commemorates World Refugee Day, even as public celebrations were postponed due to the ongoing Ebola outbreak.
In a joint message released on Saturday, UNHCR, the Government of Uganda, refugees, host communities and humanitarian partners highlighted the importance of solidarity with people forced to flee conflict, violence and persecution.
This year’s World Refugee Day is being observed under the theme, “Until Everyone Is Safe,” which underscores the continued importance of the right to seek asylum and protection.
The theme also coincides with the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention, a landmark international treaty that established protections for people forced to flee their homes.
Uganda currently hosts more than two million refugees and asylum seekers, making it one of the world’s largest refugee-hosting nations.
Most refugees in the country come from neighbouring countries affected by conflict and instability, including South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan.
However, this year’s commemorations come against the backdrop of Uganda’s response to an Ebola outbreak. In line with public health measures aimed at protecting communities and preventing the spread of the disease, public events marking the day have been postponed.
Speaking on the occasion, UNHCR Representative a.i. in Uganda, Jason Hepps, emphasized the importance of maintaining access to asylum and protection for displaced people.
“The theme ‘Until Everyone Is Safe’ reminds us that the right to seek asylum and protection is a lifeline for tens of millions of people,” Hepps said.
“Uganda continues to demonstrate remarkable solidarity, and we remain committed to supporting refugees, host communities and the Government to ensure that those seeking safety can access protection with dignity and hope. Today, we also recognize the courage, resilience and contributions of refugees across Uganda and around the world.”
The Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Hon. Sam Engola, said Uganda remains committed to upholding refugee protection while also supporting communities that host displaced populations.
“On this World Refugee Day, Uganda reaffirms its commitment to protection of refugees while supporting host communities,” Engola said.
“We remain grateful to donors, our partners and host communities whose support helps refugees live in resilience and dignity, rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully to society.”
The Government and UNHCR also paid tribute to refugee-hosting communities across Uganda, describing their support as essential in fostering peaceful coexistence and helping refugees rebuild their lives.
They further acknowledged the contribution of humanitarian and development partners, as well as international donors, whose support continues to play a critical role in refugee protection efforts, advancing self-reliance programmes and strengthening resilience among both refugees and host communities.
As Uganda joins the rest of the world in reflecting on the plight of forcibly displaced people, officials stressed that the responsibility of protecting refugees remains a shared global obligation.
“Until everyone is safe, the work is not done,” the statement concluded.
