Today, on World Humanitarian Day, we honour the courage and unwavering commitment of humanitarian workers who serve on the frontlines of conflict, disaster, and displacement—often at great personal risk. We especially recognize the extraordinary contributions of UNFPA supported midwives, health workers, and surge teams who continue to safeguard the health, dignity, and rights of women, girls, and young people across Uganda’s humanitarian settings.

Uganda is home to 1.9 million refugees and asylum seekers, 81% of whom are women and children, and 24% youth. Their lives are further threatened by climate-induced disasters from flash floods in Ntoroko, to landslides in Eastern Uganda, drought in Karamoja, and the recent floods in Bududa, Bungibugyo and others. 

Across Uganda, and indeed globally, humanitarian needs have never been greater, yet response remains woefully underfunded. When humanitarian support falls short, women and girls bear the greatest burden: facing unsafe childbirth, a heightened risk of gender-based violence, and loss of access to essential Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services. 

Despite these challenges, UNFPA and partners remain steadfast. Through our outreach work, safe spaces, cash assistance, emergency obstetric and newborn care, family planning, HIV prevention, and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) response services, we are reaching those most in need in refugee settlements such as Rhino Camp, Nyakabande, Imvepi, Palarinya, Adjumani, Bidi-Bidi, Palabek, Kyaka, Nakivale, and Kiryandongo. These interventions are not merely services; they are lifelines of hope, dignity and resilience.

We recognize that humanitarian action is a collective effort. We are proud to stand with the Government of Uganda, our UN sister agencies, civil society, and women and refugee-led local communities to ensure no one is left behind.

On this World Humanitarian Day, we renew our urgent call to action:

• Scale up investment in SRH and GBV systems and services during emergencies to meet growing needs.
• Strengthen resilience of SRH services and safeguard health systems and humanitarian workers, ensuring lifesaving care can continue safely even in crisis.
• Empower and resource women and refugee-led, as well as other local organizations, who are leading the response in their communities.

Today, we stand in solidarity with all those affected by crisis and with the humanitarian workers who serve them with compassion and resilience. Together, let us renew our commitment to building a Uganda where every woman and girl lives in safety, dignity, and with the full realization of her rights. 

I thank you for your unwavering dedication and service.