By Benjamin Jumbe
The government has dismissed claims of buying food for refugees and neglecting starving Ugandans.
This has come as Uganda joins the rest of the world to commemorate the World Refugee Day, which is held every 20th June.
The day is dedicated to raising awareness on the situation of refugees throughout the world and honors the courage, strength and determination of women, men and children who are forced to flee their homeland under threat of persecution, conflict and violence.
Now speaking to KFM, ahead of the day, the minister for relief, disaster preparedness and refugees Eng Hillary Onek said such claims peddled by sections of politicians were unfounded, clarifying that it is the UN agencies handling that.
National celebrations are to be held at Nsambya play grounds in Kampala.
Meanwhile, the European Union has called on all non-traditional donors to join Uganda’s efforts to address the growing refugee crisis.
This comes as the country joins the rest of the world to commemorate the world refugee day.
The EU in a statement has applauded Uganda for standing at the forefront of efforts to support refugees by keeping its doors open to those fleeing persecution in their own countries.
The EU says it has stood with Uganda in these efforts, currently funding 47% of the humanitarian response to the South Sudan emergency.
It says further commitments will be announced during the Uganda Solidarity Summit on Refugees, taking place this week on 22 and 23 June.
