Operations

2016 Plan Summary

By early November 2015, Uganda was hosting more than 507,000 refugees and asylum-seekers, the majority of whom were from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Sudan. Due to ongoing conflicts in the region and risks of violence, in 2016 UNHCR anticipates approximately 90,000 new arrivals – mostly from the DRC and South Sudan – and limited prospects for voluntary repatriation. The Government of Uganda receives, registers and provides identification to registered asylum-seekers and refugees; generously contributes land for housing and agriculture in areas known as settlements; and ensures safety, security and access to legal services. Registered refugees and asylum-seekers also enjoy access to public health care, education and employment opportunities.
 
To optimize the protection and solutions environment in Uganda, the Office is working with the Government, the UN Country Team and development partners to enable refugee and host communities to engage in an inclusive development-based economy. As a result, the operational strategy is shifting focus, from maintenance of costly humanitarian assistance operations to area-based development strategies that empower refugee and host communities to achieve a degree of socio-economic security, resilience and peaceful co-existence. This requires UNHCR to invest in building strategic partnerships with a broad range of development partners from the public, international and private sectors.
 
To maintain asylum and protection space in the face of likely influxes of new arrivals, UNHCR will continue to optimize opportunities for voluntary repatriation, resettlement and local integration. The Office will continue to work closely with local authorities to ensure that refugees are included in local planning and service delivery, and to promote peaceful co-existence between refugee and host communities.