Uganda is welcoming a growing number of Sudanese refugees -- over 33,000 people, including 19,000 who have arrived in Kampala since the start of 2024 -- seeking safety from a conflict that has raged for more than a year, the UNHCR said in a statement published on May 17.

Most Sudanese arrivals are from Khartoum, and many have a university-level education, the UN agency noted.

Including the Sudanese, an average of 2,500 people arrive in Uganda every week, especially from the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan, driven primarily by ongoing conflicts and climate-related challenges, explained the statement.

Also read: Sudan conflict: Nearly 3 million displaced, IOM

Suicide attempts among refugees, including youths

UNHCR said that the constant influx of refugees is not hitting the news but, combined with funding shortfalls, puts significant pressure on protection and assistance services provided to refugees and their host communities.

Due to funding gaps, the Ugandan health sector—serving both refugees and the host population—has been significantly affected. Health center staff numbers have been reduced, and there are insufficient supplies to meet critical health needs. The UN agency reported that an outbreak of conjunctivitis has also impacted many refugee settlements across the country.

Mental health concerns persist as well. Four attempted suicides among refugees in Adjumani, including two young people, have been reported over the last two weeks, highlighting the vulnerability of youth and the need for increased targeted interventions, the agency noted.

Schools are overcrowded and there aren't enough teachers or educational materials, making it difficult for children -- representing over half of the total refugee population -- to get an education. Key protection services are also being hindered. For example, refugee registration is facing lengthy delays as there is a lack of necessary materials and equipment to make the process smoother, explained UNHCR.

Furthermore investments in supporting refugees with income-generating activities have had to be curtailed.

Also read: Over a million South Sudanese refugees in Uganda: UNHCR

Uganda is most welcoming in Africa, but funds necessary

Two weeks ago UNHCR, together with high Ugandan officials, said it visited its main partners, including the governments of Denmark, the Netherlands and Belgium as well as EU institutions, to highlight the profound impact of reduced funding and advocate for additional resources.

Uganda hosts the highest number of refugees and asylum-seekers in Africa, with almost 1.7 million people mainly from South Sudan and the DRC. However, it was among UNHCR's 13 top underfunded operations globally in 2023, the organization noted.

In 2024, the Uganda Country Refugee Response Plan (UCRRP), which is seeking 858 million dollars for 96 partners to support more than 1.67 million refugees and 2.7 million host community members, has received only 13 percent of the required funds, per the statement.

In May, refugees began leaving for neighboring countries due to reduced support and food rations. UNHCR warned that without increased aid, development gains and peaceful coexistence with host communities will be compromised.

Also read: Refugees in Uganda: Funding shortfall forces cut to UN food rations