Reducing the vulnerability of refugees

The Issue

Uganda hosts over 1.8 million refugees and asylum seekers, mainly fleeing from conflict, violence and persecution in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Sudan, and South Sudan. Although Uganda has been praised for its progressive approach to the refugee situation, reduced global funding have severely strained the country’s ability to provide essential services.

In the first three quarters of 2025, Uganda received 131,335 new refugees, representing a 31% increase compared to the same period last year. The big influx of refugees from the DRC combined with reduced aid spendings not only worsens the situation but will create a major setback in the refugee response programming.

The consequences of underfunding have already impacted several sectors including health and nutrition, food security, protection services and livelihoods. As always in humanitarian situations, vulnerable and marginalised groups are hit the hardest. The situation is only worsened by the fact that many of the arriving refugees struggle with mental health problems and traumas.

The Project

To respond to the refugee crisis, DCA is implementing a project rooted in community-led responses to build the capacity and resilience of the affected persons to reduce vulnerability at the community level and at the transit centres. At the same time, the project seeks to improve access to community-based mental health and psychosocial support for newly arrived refugees at transit and settlement level.

Recognizing that crisis-affected communities are themselves usually the first responders, and that strong elements of self-help or social safety nets and mutual support are key to building resilience, DCA works closely with local communities. Refugee and hosting communities already know what their urgent needs are, and a collective approach with existing community groups, partners and volunteers will be more cost-effective in addressing community crises and perceived challenges. Therefore, DCA is building on the already existing group capabilities, local opportunities, and capacities to meet the immediate humanitarian needs at the community level.

Nikuze Uwimana, a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), sitting in her old shelter in the Nakivale refugee settlement, southwest Uganda. Photo: Martha Agwang

The Change

The project seeks to support community-led groups with emergency Group Cash Assistance to meet the urgent needs of newly arrived refugees. This community-led response approach strengthens locally driven initiatives, focusing on addressing the most pressing humanitarian needs and common challenges faced by new arrivals.

At the same time, the project aims to support newly arrived refugees through increased access to community-based mental health and psychosocial services, with DCA and its partner providing basic psychological first aid prior to settlement.

The Partner

DCA works with TPO Uganda to implement the project. TPO is a national NGO working in 43 districts of Uganda to empower communities to improve their mental health and socio-economic wellbeing.