Emergency Funding Crisis Threatens Refugees in Uganda

The United Nations has warned that emergency funding for refugees in Uganda will run out next month, jeopardizing critical support programs. The crisis, exacerbated by reduced foreign aid, threatens the lives of many, particularly children. Uganda hosts almost 2 million refugees, facing increased challenges due to inadequate resources.

Emergency funding crucial for aiding hundreds of thousands of refugees in Uganda is at risk of depletion by next month unless additional support emerges, according to a United Nations announcement on Monday.

This funding crisis jeopardizes programs catering to individuals fleeing conflict in regions such as Sudan, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, warned the UN refugee agency, UNHCR. Dominique Hyde, the agency's Director for External Relations, emphasized, 'Emergency funding runs out in September.'

Implications of this shortfall are dire: heightened malnutrition, an increase in sexual violence against girls, and inadequate shelter and protection for families unless global support intensifies. The UN and its agencies are facing an unprecedented funding crisis, exacerbated by cuts in foreign aid from the U.S. and other nations.

(With inputs from agencies.)