Support in the settlements

UNHCR in Uganda, in collaboration with our partner organizations, international NGOs and the government, offer support to refugees and asylum seekers in the settlements. See below some of the available assistance and how to seek help.

Shelter

• New refugees registered by OPM receive emergency shelter kits and non-food items when they get a place in the settlement. UNHCR is gradually shifting from providing in-kind assistance to cash transfers.
• Vulnerable households get cash support for materials and labor to build shelters and latrines.

Non-Food Items (NFI)

For new arrivals:

• Category 1: One-Off New Arrival distribution of blankets, sleeping mats, jerrycans, basins, sanitary napkins, women underwear and soap to non-biometrically registered refugees (and asylum seekers) at collection points, transit or reception centres.
• Category 2:
• One-Off New Arrival Household Emergency Shelter Kits and other Household NFI Kits (not distributed under Category 1) to biometrically registered refugees at drop-off points within settlements.

Registered Refugees in Settlements

• Category 3: Regular distributions of items like soap and menstrual hygiene kits for registered refugees and women and girls (ages 10-50).
• Category 4: Special circumstances: replacement due to unforeseen circumstances such as fires or severe storms may led to the replacement of NFIs for affected HHs. In addition, due to wear and tear over time, economically vulnerable HHs may require UNHCR’s support in replacing such worn-out items which will be addressed subject to availability of resources. Other special circumstances may include targeted assistance for persons with specific needs and protection cases.

Food Assistance

Water and Sanitation

UNHCR, through partners and government utilities, offers water, sanitation, and hygiene services. Most water systems are managed by partners, with a small percentage handled by government utilities.

• Water Provision for New Arrivals:
  • If you are a new arrival to the settlement, safe water will be provided through trucking or pipeline extensions from existing systems upon arrival. Emergency communal latrines are set up within 72 hours of their arrival.
• Sanitation Facilities at Transit Centers:
  • Transit and reception centers throughout the country already have sufficient water and sanitation facilities in place.
• Collaboration with Village Health Teams (VHTs):
  • UNHCR and partners collaborate with VHTs to promote environmental sanitation, hygiene improvements, and health awareness.
  • They work on eradicating open defecation and support the construction of household latrines, including those tailored for people with specific needs.

For more details about available support in your settlement, approach the Water, Hygiene, and Sanitation (WASH) partner in your location:

Location	Organization	Website
Nakivale, Oruchinga	NSAMIZI	Here
Rhino Camp, Imvepi, Lobule, Bidibidi, Kiryandongo	WMU
Kyaka, Kyangwali, Rwamwanja	Oxfam	Here
Palabek, Palorinya, Adjumani	LWF	Here

Energy and Environment

• Upon Arrival:
  • If you are new to the settlement, and you are a registered refugee or asylum seekers, you will receive a non-food items package, including a solar lantern from UNHCR, providing lighting indoors and outside at night.
• During Registration:
  • During registration and settlement allocation, hot meals are provided at the reception center, eliminating the immediate need to search for fuel to prepare meals.
• Settlement Allocation:
  • Upon receiving settlement plots, UNHCR provides seven poles per household to assist in house construction. Refugees are permitted to collect firewood weekly under supervision from designated authorities.
• Specific Needs Assistance:
  • If you or your family member has been identified with specific needs, you could be eligible to receive energy-saving stoves that use less firewood or charcoal. You will also be trained in constructing and using these stoves, which can become a source of household income.
• Environmental Protection:
  • UNHCR and partners distribute tree seedlings each planting season f to plant around your plot boundaries. Each household receives 15-20 tree seedlings, contributing to environmental restoration.
  • Seedlings include fast-growing trees for future firewood and fruit trees to supplement nutrition needs.
• Opportunities for Refugees:
  • You have the opportunities to engage in various activities like raising seedlings, land clearing, planting tree seedlings, weeding, etc., and receive income for their work.

This initiative not only provides necessary resources and tools for daily living but also empowers you  to contribute positively to environmental conservation and offers opportunities for income generation through various activities.

Accessing Support:

• To learn more about the support available in your area, contact the relevant partner in your settlement or call the FRRM helpline at 0800 32 32 32.

Please note that ALL services provided by UNHCR, including registration, are provided for FREE.