By Jurugo Emmanuel Ogasto
As Uganda marked its Liberation Day on Monday, refugees living in the country appealed to the sitting government to improve their standards of living, saying many continue to face hardships despite Uganda’s generous refugee policies.
Speaking to No.1 Citizen Newspaper, refugees from Pagirinya Refugee Settlement said the national celebration should be a moment for reflection on freedom, dignity, and inclusion for all people residing in Uganda, including refugees.
Pita Annet, a resident of the settlement, said refugees appreciate the peace and protection offered by Uganda but noted that living conditions in the settlement remain challenging. She pointed to inadequate food rations, limited access to healthcare, and poverty as major concerns affecting refugee households. “Our food ratio was cut and the food that we eat is not enough,” she said.
Another resident, Andruga Kaps, called on the government to strengthen livelihood programs that would enable refugees to become self-reliant. “We are not working but the government can empower us by bringing vocational schools so that we shall do our own things,” he appealed. He said access to land, skills training, and employment opportunities would greatly improve the welfare of refugees and reduce dependence on humanitarian aid.
Temaiya Harriet also urged the government to prioritize the needs of women and children in refugee settlements. “The majority of the women are suffering especially the widows who can’t support their children,” she said. She highlighted challenges in accessing quality education and health services, particularly for expectant mothers and school-going children.
Uganda hosts one of the largest refugee populations in the world, with refugees mainly coming from South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sudan. As the country commemorated its Liberation Day, refugees expressed hope that the spirit of the day would translate into improved living standards and inclusive development for all people living within Uganda’s borders.