Relief Efforts in Uganda
Uganda, a central-east African landlocked country of immense geopolitical importance, is currently grappling with weak development indicators and a contracting economy with high rates of youth unemployment – a major concern for the stability of the country given nearly 44% of the population is currently under the age of 15. One in five Ugandans remain trapped in chronic poverty and a third of all children under five are too short for their age, a symptom of chronic food insecurity and malnutrition.
Often touted as the most welcoming country in the world to refugees, Uganda has taken in more than 1.7 million refugees from six different countries – mostly women and children – who are in search of safety from regional conflict, political violence and famine. Yet, to maintain stability, international investments must support a refugee response model that is focused on providing comprehensive services, community integration for refugees and investments in sustainable development for host communities.
CARE works to strengthen access to protection and life-saving assistance for newly-arrived refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan as well as their host communities, diversify the livelihood options of refugee women and girls, men and boys, and their host communities through a menu of options for dignified work, and ensure that women have equitable influence over household financial decisions.
CARE continues to work to reduce incidence and mortality due to Ebola through community awareness on Ebola prevention and to reduce the vulnerability of refugees as well as the host communities by improving critical WASH, shelter, and protection infrastructures and capacities, with a focus on women, girls, and people with special needs.
CARE has been providing development and humanitarian assistance in Uganda since 1969.