The United States Ambassador to Uganda, William Popp, highlighted the U.S.’s significant contributions to refugee communities in Uganda during a local TV discussion on the country’s commitment to refugee welfare. He noted that over the past five years, the U.S. has provided nearly $1 billion in assistance, benefiting more than 1.5 million refugees and 3 million Ugandans. This support has come in the form of vocational schools, food, and clinics.
Ambassador Popp explained that one of the key reasons for investing in vocational skills is to help both refugees and host community members achieve self-sufficiency, supplementing the food assistance they already receive. “The resources from donor countries are being strained by other conflicts around the world, leading to a reduction in the rations provided. To address this, the U.S. has placed a strong emphasis on vocational skills training, which we believe can help refugees and members of the host communities towards self-sufficiency,” Popp stated.
He emphasized that skills such as tailoring, food preparation, and small business management not only aid the refugees themselves but also benefit the broader community. “It has a double benefit when these skills are passed on to refugees, as it benefits both them and their communities,” Popp explained. By generating income through these skills, refugees and host communities can foster greater resilience and self-sufficiency.
Ambassador Popp also underscored the crucial role the U.S. plays in providing resettlement and asylum opportunities for those unable to return to their homes. “The United States is the top country for asylum seekers and refugees in the world. When it comes to resettlement, individuals who, based on certain circumstances, see no viable way to return to their homes are most eligible for approval for resettlement and asylum,” he added.
His remarks underscored the U.S. government’s dedication to supporting refugee welfare in Uganda through both direct financial assistance and initiatives that empower refugees and host communities to become self-reliant.
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, seeking asylum is a fundamental human right. Everyone has a right to life and liberty, freedom from fear, and the right to seek asylum from persecution.
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