KAMPALA, August 1, 2025 –– Austria has strengthened its commitment to improving the well-being of refugees and host communities in Uganda by contributing US$1.8 million [Shs 6.66 billion] to support Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene [WASH] services. The funding, provided through the Austrian Development Agency [ADA], will be channeled to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees [UNHCR] to address urgent needs in refugee-hosting districts.
This latest contribution brings Austria’s total support to UNHCR Uganda to US$ 4.5 million [Shs 16 billion] for the 2024–2025 period. The funds will help ensure access to safe water and improved sanitation in settlements facing critical shortages due to widespread funding gaps that have strained essential services.
Bernd Brünner, Managing Director of ADA, emphasised Austria’s dedication to long-term solutions and sustainable partnerships.
“Our support reflects Austria’s commitment to forcibly displaced persons and their host communities. We aim to foster shared responsibility and sustainable solutions while advancing Austria’s role in strengthening mobility and migration partnerships,” he said during a signing ceremony at UNHCR’s Access Centre in Kansanga.
Katja Kerschbaumer, Head of the Austrian Embassy and Development Cooperation in Uganda, highlighted the impact of clean water access: He said: “Ensuring access to safe water and sanitation is vital for protecting the health, safety, and dignity of refugees and host communities. This contribution underscores Austria’s strong commitment to supporting vulnerable populations in Uganda.”
The funding will enhance UNHCR and its partners’ ability to tackle urgent public health concerns, mitigate the risk of waterborne diseases, and promote sustainable sanitation systems in refugee settlements and surrounding areas.
Matthew Crentsil, UNHCR Representative to Uganda, expressed gratitude for Austria’s timely support saying, “Improving water and sanitation access is essential to safeguarding health and dignity, especially amid rising needs and funding gaps. This support will help bridge urgent WASH gaps in refugee-hosting districts.”
Uganda currently hosts over 1.9 million refugees and asylum-seekers, the largest number in Africa. Persistent funding shortfalls in 2024 severely affected critical sectors, including water, sanitation, health, and education, placing both refugees and host communities at heightened risk.
UNHCR continues to call on the global community to provide multi-year, predictable, and flexible funding to ensure that life-saving and resilience-building services can be sustained and scaled up.
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