Africa-Press – Uganda. The Austrian Development Agency (ADA) has pledged an additional Shs6.6 billion (EUR 1.6 million) to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to enhance access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in Uganda’s refugee-hosting communities.
This comes at a critical moment as UNHCR recently announced a sharp $1.4 billion reduction in global refugee aid, which threatens to impact over 11 million refugees across Africa and beyond.
The fresh funding will support the construction of 15 motorized water systems, rehabilitation of over 600 boreholes, and the building of approximately 6,000 latrines in refugee settlements across Uganda.
Speaking at the announcement, Mr. Bernd Brunner, Managing Director of the Austrian Development Agency, reiterated Austria’s strong commitment to supporting Uganda’s refugee response.
“With this latest contribution, Austria’s total funding to UNHCR operations in Uganda has surpassed Shs16 billion over the past five years,” Brunner said.
“Together with UNHCR and the Government of Uganda, we are building more than infrastructure; we are laying the groundwork for people to live their lives with dignity, health, and opportunity.”
UNHCR Country Representative Mr. Mattheu Crentsil welcomed Austria’s support, highlighting urgent WASH infrastructure needs amid tightening budgets.
“Improving access to safe water and sanitation is critical to safeguarding health and dignity, especially given rising needs and funding gaps. We are grateful to Austria for this timely and flexible support that will help bridge urgent WASH gaps in refugee hosting communities,” Crentsil said.
Uganda currently hosts over 1.9 million refugees, the largest refugee population on the African continent.
However, with only 23% formally employed, sustainable livelihoods and effective aid delivery remain significant challenges.
UNHCR Spokesperson Frank Walusimbi emphasized the need for innovative approaches to empower refugees toward self-reliance.
“With funding levels shrinking, we must explore solutions that enable refugees to sustain themselves and contribute meaningfully to the communities where they live,” Walusimbi said.
Also present at the event was Dr Katja Kerschbaumer, head of the Austrian Development Cooperation, who praised Uganda’s inclusive refugee policies and pledged continued technical and financial support.
“We recognize the importance of ensuring access to clean water and sanitation in preserving the dignity, health, and safety of refugees and their host communities. This contribution reflects Austria’s strong commitment to supporting vulnerable populations in Uganda,” Dr. Kerschbaumer said.
This new funding boost marks a hopeful advance amid a challenging global funding environment and underscores the crucial role of sustained international cooperation in addressing humanitarian crises.
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