Authorities in refugee-hosting districts across Uganda’s West Nile region have raised concern over a significant decline in donor funding, warning that the situation is putting immense pressure on basic service delivery for both refugees and host communities.
District leaders from areas including Arua, Terego, Madi-Okollo, Yumbe, and Adjumani report that critical sectors such as health, education, and environmental conservation are being hit hardest, leaving local governments struggling to cope.“This sharp drop in humanitarian support is unsustainable,” said Terego Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Robert Ouma.
“We are now forced to stretch already limited resources to serve both the host population and thousands of refugees.”West Nile hosts over 1 million refugees, mainly from South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In previous years, humanitarian aid helped supplement government services, but local leaders say the trend is reversing.
“We have schools with over 100 pupils per classroom and health centers running out of essential drugs,” noted Arua District Education Officer, Beatrice Adiru. “Without renewed donor commitment, we fear a total collapse of social services.”Environmental degradation is also accelerating, as funding cuts affect tree-planting and sustainable energy initiatives previously introduced to ease the strain on natural resources.
“We are seeing increased deforestation because refugees and locals have no alternative fuel sources,” said Godfrey Obiga, a forestry officer in Madi-Okollo. “If this continues, the region will face a serious environmental crisis.”Local governments are now calling on the central government and international partners to intervene urgently and explore sustainable, long-term solutions to address the mounting pressures.
Meanwhile, civil society actors are urging the integration of refugees into national development plans and promoting community-driven approaches to service delivery.As Uganda maintains its open-door policy for refugees, leaders warn that without adequate support, both refugees and host communities could be plunged into deeper hardship.
