The urgency stems from the increasing numbers of forcibly displaced individuals globally, exacerbated by conflict, climate change, and economic instability. According to UNHCR data, forcibly displaced populations exceeded 36 million by the end of 2023, placing immense strain on host nations and international aid systems. Uganda, hosting the largest refugee population in Africa—over 1.6 million primarily from South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Somalia—faces particular pressures. The ReSET programme’s focus on Uganda, therefore, is deeply intertwined with regional security concerns and the potential for further instability along the Lake Chad Basin and the broader Horn of Africa.
Historical Context: Uganda’s refugee policy has undergone significant transformation since the early 2000s. Initially, the government adopted a largely restrictive stance, reflecting a broader trend amongst African nations towards limiting refugee intakes. However, facing mounting humanitarian pressure and international criticism, Uganda transitioned to a more open approach, driven in part by the government’s commitment to inclusive development and the desire to leverage the economic contributions of refugees. The enactment of the Refugee Policy in 2010 formalized this shift, albeit with ongoing challenges regarding implementation and integration. Recent developments, including increased tensions between refugees and host communities in areas like Adjumani and Moyo, highlight the need for robust mechanisms to manage these interactions and mitigate potential conflict. Stakeholders include the UK (FCDO), the Ugandan Ministry of Internal Affairs, UNHCR, various international NGOs (e.g., Save the Children, Oxfam), and, crucially, refugee-led organizations. The British government’s motivations are rooted in both humanitarian concerns and strategic considerations – contributing to regional stability and demonstrating a leadership role in addressing the global refugee crisis. Ugandan government objectives center on economic development through refugee integration and fostering a stable, secure environment.
Data on refugee populations and aid distribution demonstrates the scale of the need. According to UNHCR, in 2023, nearly 70% of refugees relied on humanitarian assistance for food, underscoring the urgency of promoting self-sufficiency. Simultaneously, the FCDO reports that approximately 40% of refugees in Uganda were engaged in income-generating activities, indicating some degree of economic integration, though significant disparities exist based on gender and disability status. “The core challenge lies not just in providing immediate relief, but in equipping refugees and host communities with the tools and opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods,” noted Dr. Fatima Khan, Senior Policy Analyst at the Institute for Global Studies, in a recent briefing. “A purely humanitarian approach, while necessary in the short term, is ultimately unsustainable.”
The ReSET programme’s two pillars directly address this challenge. Pillar 1 focuses on meeting immediate humanitarian needs—food security, protection services, and healthcare—particularly for new arrivals who often experience the most acute vulnerabilities. Pillar 2 aims to foster self-reliance and resilience by supporting economically vulnerable households through livelihood development programs, skills training, and access to microfinance. Crucially, the program mandates a strong emphasis on gender equality and social inclusion, recognizing that women and marginalized groups often face disproportionate barriers to accessing resources and opportunities. The inclusion of climate resilience planning is also a forward-thinking element, acknowledging the increased vulnerability of refugee populations to extreme weather events and environmental degradation. The concept note template and associated guidelines necessitate a robust framework for monitoring and evaluation, a critical determinant of the program’s ultimate success.
Recent Developments: Over the past six months, the refugee situation in Uganda has been marked by a series of operational challenges. Supply chain disruptions have impacted food distribution, leading to delays and shortages in several refugee settlements. Simultaneously, increased competition for land and resources between refugees and host communities has fueled tensions, requiring targeted mediation efforts by UNHCR and local government officials. Furthermore, there’s been a rise in instances of gender-based violence, necessitating strengthened protection mechanisms. These challenges underscore the need for a flexible and adaptive approach to the ReSET programme, allowing for timely adjustments based on evolving circumstances.
Future Impact & Insight: In the short term (next 6 months), the ReSET programme will likely focus on stabilizing existing livelihood support programs and addressing immediate humanitarian needs triggered by recent disruptions. Longer term (5-10 years), the success of the initiative hinges on its ability to fundamentally transform the refugee response paradigm in Uganda. A sustained focus on evidence-based interventions, coupled with strong partnerships with refugee-led organizations, could lead to measurable improvements in refugee self-reliance and resilience. However, the program’s impact will also depend on broader factors, including Uganda’s evolving refugee policy, regional security dynamics, and the global humanitarian landscape. “We need to move beyond a reactive, crisis-driven approach and embrace a proactive, development-oriented strategy,” argued Professor David Omond, a specialist in African refugee policy at the University of Oxford. “The ReSET programme represents a step in the right direction, but sustained commitment and innovation are essential to achieving long-term success.” The potential for scaling up these interventions to other refugee contexts across Africa warrants careful consideration.
Reflection: As the ReSET programme moves towards implementation, it’s crucial to examine the balance between immediate humanitarian assistance and long-term development interventions. The program’s success hinges not just on financial investment but also on fostering genuine partnerships with refugees and host communities, ensuring that their voices are at the center of decision-making processes. How can the international community, including the UK, bolster Uganda’s efforts to create truly resilient and self-sufficient refugee populations? Let the conversation begin.