Assessing Needs and Building Hope: Nubian Center for Peace and Democracy Visits Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement

Assessing Needs and Building Hope: Nubian Center for Peace and Democracy Visits Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement

“During a two-day visit to Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement, the Nubian Center for Peace and Democracy, alongside humanitarian partners, the Swiss Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa, and advisor from Italian organizations, met directly with Sudanese refugees to assess urgent needs in food, shelter, healthcare, and protection. Listening closely to women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities, the delegation highlighted dignity, solidarity, and hope, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian support and sustainable solutions to empower displaced communities.”

Kiryandongo, Uganda – February 16, 2025.

As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting Sudanese refugees, the Nubian Center for Peace and Democracy (NCPD) conducted a two-day field visit to Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement on February 13-14, 2025. The visit, conducted in partnership with the Italian Bishops’ Conference and Caritas Italiana, aimed to carry out a primary needs assessment and design a humanitarian project to improve refugees’ economic, social, and health conditions.

The delegation, led by Dr. Mohamed Salih Mohamed Yassin (PhD), Chairperson of NCPD, included key members of the Center, partners from the Sports for Peace Initiative, consultants for Italian humanitarian aid organizations, and H.E. Ambassador Sylvain Astier, Swiss Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa.

During the visit, the delegation met with settlement authorities, including Mr. Emmanuel Tury Agyenda, Settlement Commander, officials from Uganda’s Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), and Sudanese refugee leaders such as Mr. Osman Adam Osman, Secretary-General of Refugees, and Mr. Tayeb Elmak, Sports Secretary.

The delegation toured critical facilities, including:

•Community kitchens providing meals to vulnerable families.

•Medical clinics facing shortages of staff and essential equipment.

•Reception centers and shelters for new arrivals, many of which are overcrowded and poorly ventilated.

•Food distribution points managed by the World Food Program and support provided by Give Directly.

The delegation engaged directly with refugees, including representatives of the elderly union and people with disabilities, listening to their experiences and concerns. The arrival of 10 buses carrying approximately 400 new refugees underscored the urgent humanitarian challenges and the need for additional registration stations and staff to process arrivals efficiently.

The visit highlighted the harsh conditions faced by refugees, particularly women and children:

•Severe shortages of food and water leading to rising malnutrition rates.

•Damaged shelters and tents leaving many families without adequate protection from harsh weather.

•Limited healthcare and education services, with insufficient maternal and child care.

•Overcrowded reception areas compounding the strain on basic services.

The delegation emphasized that immediate humanitarian intervention and increased international support are critical to improving refugees’ living conditions and ensuring a dignified life. H.E. Ambassador Sylvain Astier reaffirmed Switzerland’s commitment to supporting Sudanese refugees and expressed hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, enabling displaced families to return home safely.

The Nubian Center for Peace and Democracy extended heartfelt gratitude to the Italian Bishops’ Conference, Caritas Italiana, the Swiss envoy, settlement leadership, and refugee representatives for their collaboration and dedication. The visit reinforced NCPD’s mission to empower Sudanese refugees, address urgent needs, and strengthen partnerships to create sustainable humanitarian solutions.