Afghan refugees to be hosted in Uganda temporarily, says government
Government has confirmed that Uganda will host over 2000 Afghan refugees on the request of the US government but said this would be on a temporary basis.
According to a statement from Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the decision to host the migrants came as a result of a request from the US government, which Uganda gratefully accepted.
President Museveni expressed Uganda’s readiness to provide assistance after receiving a request from the US government for assistance in hosting some of the affected people, citing Uganda’s long history and tradition of hosting refugees and other people in need, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday afternoon.
The help will include temporarily sheltering refugees throughout the current crisis, according to the statement.
The first group of 500 Afghan refugees was due to come on Monday, August 16th, according to State Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness, and Refugees, Esther Anyakun, but negotiations over the topic have yet to be completed, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“Discussions on this topic are still underway, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will offer updates as the situation evolves and when a final decision is made.”
Uncertainty increased in Afghanistan after the Taliban Islamic party reclaimed control after US troops ousted the previous administration, led by Mullah Omar, which was accused of harboring Al Qaeda terrorist leader Osama Bin Laden.
Over 1.5 million refugees from largely neighboring countries, such as South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, are currently residing in Uganda, fleeing conflict in their native countries.
The East African country, which has been regarded as having some of the world’s most friendly people on multiple times, is second only to Turkey (3.7 million) in terms of hosting the highest number of refugees, while Uganda leads the African continent.
President Museveni has stated on multiple occasions that Uganda will never block its doors to any refugees, despite the fact that some Ugandans had previously been refugees in other countries.
He claims that by admitting immigrants, Uganda is repaying a debt committed when other nations sheltered Ugandans during the country’s difficult years prior to his NRM government’s 1986 victory.
The refugees in Uganda share the majority of amenities, such as water and schools, with the host communities, a policy that has been praised by many.
