Uganda
Refugees, 08 May 2025
| Allocation | $2,500,016 |
|---|---|
| Emergency type | Refugees |
| Window | Rapid Response |
| Recipient UN Agencies | UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP |
| Group of people targeted | Refugees |
| Number of people targeted | 42,000 |
| Status | Under Implementation |
| Allocation code | CERF-UGA-25-RR-1467 |
| Title | CERF Rapid Response: Uganda 2025 (DRC refugees) |
Overview of the humanitarian situation
Uganda continues to face a growing refugee crisis with a sharp rise in arrivals fleeing insecurity in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since January, over 63,930 Congolese refugees have sought safety in Uganda, bringing the total to 616,437 out of the 1.89 million refugees currently hosted. These arrivals, averaging 800 people daily, is straining humanitarian services, particularly at transit and reception centers. Severe overcrowding is worsening delays in registration, shelter, water, sanitation, and essential services, with urgent needs for expanded facilities and resources.Women and children make up the majority of new arrivals and face heightened risks. Malnutrition rates exceed emergency thresholds, with an estimated 12,931 cases expected in refugee settlements in 2025. Since January, ten children have died from malnutrition-related anemia. Sexual violence remains a serious concern, with over 403 cases reported in transit centers in the first four months of the year. Refugees also require screening and treatment for diseases, as recent measles outbreaks at multiple reception centers highlight health risks.UNHCR declared a Level 2 emergency for Uganda on 28 March 2025, as humanitarian partners struggle with underfunding and operational limitations. More than 3,000 refugees are being relocated weekly, but the growing influx has exceeded contingency plans. Ongoing displacements from South Sudan and Sudan compound the situation, placing Uganda’s refugee response under severe pressure. By September, arrivals from DRC are expected to surpass 80,000, highlighting the urgent need for increased humanitarian support and funding.
CERF-funded assistance
On 8 May 2025, the ERC allocated $2.5 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) for the urgent support refugee response in Uganda. Funding from CERF enables UN agencies and partners to provide Protection, health, food assistance, nutrition, WASH and shelter assistance to refugees. The allocation targets 42,000 people, including 10,500 women, 22,000 children and including 6,000 persons living with disabilities.
Projects included in this allocation
| Organization | Project title | Code | Amount in US$ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UNHCR | Emergency multi-sectoral response for Congolese refugee new arrivals in Uganda: CCCM, Protection, Health, and WASH Services | CERF-UGA-25-RR-HCR-35711 | US$1,100,007 | Read more |
| WFP | Life-saving food and nutrition response for newly arrived refugees in Uganda | CERF-UGA-25-RR-WFP-35712 | US$1,000,009 | Read more |
| UNICEF | Lifesaving nutrition response for the severe acute malnourished children in Refugee Transit Centers | CERF-UGA-25-RR-CEF-35713 | US$400,000 | Read more |