Uganda Lawmakers Urged to Tighten Oversight of Refugee Spending as Aid Dwindles
Uganda’s Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has called on members of parliament to intensify oversight of refugee programmes and ensure accountability for resources allocated to refugees, amid a broader decline in global humanitarian funding, according to AllAfrica.
Tayebwa’s appeal to lawmakers reflects growing concern about the sustainability of refugee response efforts as donor support for humanitarian operations around the world contracts. He urged MPs to monitor how funds intended for refugees are managed and disbursed, signalling a push for greater domestic scrutiny at a time when external assistance is becoming less reliable.
Uganda’s Role as a Major Refugee Host
Uganda is widely recognised as one of Africa’s largest refugee-hosting countries. The country has maintained an open-door policy since independence, granting refugees freedom of movement, the right to work, and access to public services such as health and education. Refugees hosted in Uganda have come primarily from South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and Somalia, many of whom reside in large settlements in the northern and western parts of the country.
The country’s refugee response has historically been supported by the United Nations refugee agency, the World Food Programme and a range of bilateral donors. However, humanitarian agencies have repeatedly warned in recent years that funding appeals are falling short of required levels, putting pressure on host governments and aid partners alike.
Parliamentary Scrutiny
By urging MPs to take a more active role in monitoring refugee spending, Tayebwa is signalling that parliamentary committees will be expected to play a larger part in ensuring dwindling resources reach those for whom they are intended. Lawmakers have previously examined issues around refugee affairs, including land use in host districts and the delivery of services in settlements.
As global aid budgets tighten, the focus on how refugee funds are administered in Uganda is likely to intensify.
Sources
This report was written from coverage published by the following news organisations. Follow the links for the original reporting.
