Uganda - Humanitarian Assistance for Refugees and Host Communities - CLWR 2015

March 2015 - Ongoing conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo Somalia and South Sudan have led to the exodus of significant numbers of refugees many of whom have sought safety in Uganda. Currently the country is hosting around 456 000 refugees the majority from the DRC (227 000) but also a large newly arrived population from South Sudan (139 000). While the Government of Uganda allocates land to allow refugees to grow some of their own food they remain reliant on international assistance and their presence has stretched scarce local resources (fuel water and social services including schools) which are shared by host communities. With DFATD’s support Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) is meeting the humanitarian needs of 40 500 South Sudanese refugees and host community members living in Adjumani district northern Uganda. Project activities include: (1) constructing four boreholes and 3 500 household latrines; (2) installing water harvesting tanks at five schools; (3) distributing essential hygiene supplies to 6 000 vulnerable households; (4) completing a community awareness campaign focusing on sanitation and hygiene reaching 30 000 people; (5) constructing shelters for 137 particularly vulnerable people; and (6) providing agricultural supplies equipment and training to 35 000 individuals.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) increased access to safe drinking water; (2) increased access to hygiene supplies; (3) increased access to emergency shelter; and (4) increased access to interventions designed to promote greater self-sufficiency. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crisis or acute food insecurity.