Kampala, Uganda — As of January to March 2026, Uganda hosts 1,999,576 refugees and asylum-seekers, the largest refugee population in Africa, marking a 1% increase from December 2025.
The majority of these individuals are South Sudanese (52%) and Congolese (33%) refugees. Women and children make up 77% of the population, with over 1 million refugee children in the country. Uganda’s progressive 2006 Refugee Act, which guarantees freedom of movement, the right to work, and access to national services, is foundational but now faces increasing strain.
In February 2026, the government issued a directive that suspended prima facie recognition for new asylum-seekers and extended protection timelines.
However, only 14% ($49. 9M) of the UNHCR’s 2026 funding requirements ($361M) were met by the end of March. This critical funding shortfall has led to a 23% reduction in field operations and the scaling back of all but lifesaving interventions.
Without urgent new commitments, gains made in protection, health, nutrition, and education for refugees are at risk of irreversible reversal.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
—
This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees
