Austria Injects UGX 6.7 Billion to Boost Water and Sanitation in Uganda’s Refugee-Hosting Communities

Uganda’s response to one of the world’s largest refugee populations has received a significant boost, following a UGX 6.7 billion (USD 1.8 million) injection from the Austrian government to strengthen water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in refugee-hosting districts.

The support comes at a critical moment. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), only 25% of Uganda’s refugee response funding needs have been met so far this year, posing a major challenge to ongoing humanitarian efforts.

The new contribution was formally announced during a signing ceremony in Kampala between UNHCR Uganda Representative Matthew Crentsil and Bernd Brunner, Managing Director of the Austrian Development Agency, who is currently on a working visit to Uganda.

Uganda remains Africa’s largest refugee-hosting country, sheltering individuals fleeing war, persecution, and climate shocks from countries including South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Somalia, and Eritrea. The refugee population is expected to exceed 2 million by 2026.

However, with services like water supply, education, and health already stretched to their limits, refugee-hosting communities are under increasing pressure. Austria’s latest funding aims to directly address key WASH gaps in these areas.

“This support is timely and flexible, enabling us to scale up access to safe water and sanitation, which is critical to preserving health and dignity,” said Crentsil.

Key Areas of Investment:
According to UNHCR, the funds will be used to:

• Construct and expand solar-powered water systems for sustainable access.
• Supply emergency drinking water to 40,000 new arrivals.
• Build 960 communal latrines and showers to reduce open defecation.
• Operate and maintain 150 motorized water systems and 647 boreholes.
• Keep 6,000 VIP latrines functional for both refugees and host communities.

The intervention is expected to raise WASH coverage in affected areas from 45% to 65%, ultimately benefiting 1.44 million people — including nearly 500,000 refugees and their host communities.

UNHCR’s Associate Communications Officer, Frank Walusimbi, emphasized the importance of such donor support in addressing chronic underfunding.

Strengthening Partnerships
This contribution builds on a previous donation of USD 2.7 million made by Austria in January 2024, underlining deepening ties between the two countries in addressing both humanitarian and development challenges.

Brunner commended Uganda’s inclusive refugee policy and stressed the need for long-term solutions that support both refugees and the communities hosting them.

“Behind every statistic are real lives and families trying to rebuild,” Brunner noted. “Our aim is to help create systems that offer dignity, resilience, and hope.”

Austria’s support is aligned with Uganda’s National Development Plan III and the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF), which promote integrated services and shared responsibility for displaced populations.