Uganda - Humanitarian Assistance to Refugees and Host Communities - Oxfam Canada 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 Oxfam Canada is meeting the humanitarian needs of 42 000 South Sudanese refugees and host community members in Arua and Adjumani districts northern Uganda. Project activities include: (1) rehabilitating 10 boreholes; (2) training and supporting community committees to maintain boreholes; (3) installing rainwater harvesting systems at four schools; (4) constructing 100 latrines; (5) establishing community waste collection systems; (6) completing a sanitation and hygiene campaign including the distribution of 1 500 hygiene kits; (7) completing cash-for-work activities to improve income and food security for 1 000 households; (8) providing agricultural supplies equipment and training to 1 500 households; and (9) training and supporting 30 protection committees to combat sexual and gender-based violence.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) increased access to safe drinking water; (2) increased access to sanitation facilities; (3) increased access to hygiene supplies and clean and hygienic living conditions; (4) increased access to interventions designed to promote greater self-sufficiency; and (5) increased access to protection services and assistance. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crisis or acute food insecurity.