Uganda - South Sudanese Refugees - Canadian Lutheran World Relief 2016

March 2016 - Uganda now hosts the third largest number of refugees in Africa at least 507 000 with significant populations from the Democratic Republic of Congo South Sudan Somalia and Burundi. While some of these populations have been in Uganda for decades nearly two-thirds of the total number have arrived within the past five years following upsurges in violence in their various countries of origin. Although Uganda has a relatively generous refugee policy which encourages self-reliance by allowing refugees to settle and farm or work in host communities many continue to require humanitarian assistance to meet basic needs. Further the sheer number of newly-arrived refugees in Uganda has put strains on host communities taxing fuel and water resources and limiting livelihoods opportunities. With GAC’s support Canadian Lutheran World Relief is addressing the urgent humanitarian needs and longer term livelihoods prospects of an estimated 8 250 South Sudanese refugees and members of their Ugandan host community in the Adjumani district of Uganda. Project activities include: (1) the provision of vouchers for essential non-food items to 1 000 vulnerable households; (2) the provision of start-up kits for the organization of 1 800 refugee and host community youth into ‘Savings and Loan Associations’ to promote income generating activities; and (3) the repair and rehabilitation of 250 latrines in refugee and host communities.

The expected immediate outcomes of this project include: (1) improved access to necessary non-food items; (2) improved access to livelihoods opportunities; and (3) improved access to adequate sanitation for South Sudanese refugees. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or acute food insecurity.