This briefing note shows how sharp donor cuts, led by recent U.S. reductions, collide with an unexpected surge of arrivals from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), resulting in insufficient food and crippling health, water and sanitation, and education services. Reception centres are at 700% capacity and new arrivals are arriving dangerously malnourished, overwhelming Uganda’s response. Dwindling support, cramped land plots, overstretched public services, plus instability spreading from DRC and South Sudan, all point to an urgent need for increased funding—and for local, community-led solutions—to sustain Uganda’s historically generous refugee model.
- Over 100,000 refugees have arrived in Uganda in just five months (vs. 50,000 projected for the whole year).
- 63,000 from DRC alone.
- Malnutrition in children under five among new Congolese arrivals at 17% (above emergency threshold).
- “Then comes the abyss.” — UN official, describing the lack of support after settlement.
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