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Uganda Health and Refugee Crisis

A woman holds a baby while a nurse delicately places eyedrops in the baby's eyes.
Emergencies

Uganda is grappling with a severe health crisis, marked by a high risk of outbreaks like cholera, malaria, and Ebola. The recent Mpox outbreak, compounded by the influx of refugees and strained resources, further exacerbates the situation. As the country continues to shelter refugees from neighboring conflicts, its already fragile health and sanitation systems are pushed to the brink.

About the crisis in Uganda

Thousands have fled violence in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Uganda is currently facing a significant refugee crisis, hosting over 1.7 million refugees and asylum seekers, primarily from South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Despite the country’s commendable refugee policies, the increasing numbers have put a significant strain on its resources and services.

South Sudanese refugees constitute the largest group, comprising 54.9% of the total refugee population in Uganda. They have been forced to flee their homeland due to violence, food insecurity, and limited access to essential services. Congolese refugees, accounting for 31.1% of the refugee population, are escaping ethnic violence and militant attacks targeting civilians.

As of September 30, 2024, Uganda has seen an influx of Sudanese refugees, who make up 36% of the 110,708 new arrivals since the beginning of 2024. This influx has further strained the country’s already stretched humanitarian services.

The region faces outbreaks of disease like Mpox, cholera, and more

Beyond the refugee crisis, Uganda is also confronting significant health challenges. The region is experiencing an ongoing Mpox outbreak, and there’s a risk of Marburg disease spilling over from neighboring Rwanda. Additionally, the country remains vulnerable to diseases like cholera, malaria, and Ebola.

Erratic heavy rainfall has further complicated the situation, leading to poor road conditions and hindering timely responses to health emergencies and service delivery.

Of the new refugees and asylum seekers entering Uganda in 2024:

are fleeing violence in Sudan

are fleeing violence in Sudan

are fleeing ethnic violence and food insecurity in the DRC

are fleeing ethnic violence and food insecurity in the DRC

are fleeing violence and food insecurity in South Sudan

are fleeing violence and food insecurity in South Sudan

are fleeing other neighboring countries, including Eritrea

are fleeing other neighboring countries, including Eritrea

How to help: What CARE is doing in Uganda

CARE Uganda helps to prevent gender-based violence and boost health services

CARE Uganda is committed to preventing and responding to gender-based violence (GBV) while enhancing access to essential sexual, reproductive, and maternal health services. Our work includes equipping health facilities with critical supplies, infrastructure, and equipment. We also provide specialized support to women and girls, including pregnant and lactating women. Additionally, we promote public health and hygiene, focusing on increasing access to menstrual hygiene management items for women and girls. Our GBV programs focus on survivor-centered approaches, offering comprehensive case management and psychosocial support to those affected.

Funded by the European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid (ECHO), and in collaboration with War Child Alliance and various local and national partners, CARE delivers protection services through the Sustainable Transition to Locally Led Emergency Protection Services project. This consortium project prioritizes gender-based violence prevention and response, child protection, and mental health and psychosocial support for refugees in Uganda.

CARE’s dedication to localizing humanitarian interventions is evident in its support for local and national actors, enabling them to obtain Quality Assurance Mechanism certification, a set of self-regulatory accountability standards that enhance the delivery of effective, locally led humanitarian assistance.

Where does CARE work in Uganda?

CARE is actively responding to the ongoing refugee crisis in Uganda by providing vital protection services in numerous refugee settlements and transit centers. Key settlements include Kyangwali, Rwamwanja, Nakivale, Kiryandongo, Parolinya, Palabek, and Rhino Camp. During refugee influxes, CARE also provides support in transit centers like Nyakabande, Matanda, Sebagoro, Bubukwanga, Ocea Reception, Kiryandongo Reception, and Lokung Collection Point.

*Last updated November 2024