By: Michael Mugerwa
The Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja met with the Dutch Deputy Vice Minister for International Cooperation, to review refugee assistance to Uganda. This meeting comes at a time when Uganda continues to receive a big influx of asylum seekers, coming from the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.
She welcomed the delegation and pledged Uganda’s continued bilateral cooperation with the Kingdom of Netherlands. She thanked government and the Dutch people for the support towards Uganda’s development agenda, especially in the refugee response.
The Prime Minister informed the visiting delegation that no one ever chooses to be a refugee. She said Uganda has a progressive and open door policy for refugees and other people fleeing for safety and security. ‘When refugees come to Uganda, they are treated humanely and with dignity’, she added.
The Premier noted that supporting refugees is a global responsibility that requires global solidarity. ‘It is therefore important that the International community comes in to support the host community to remain resilient’, she noted.
The Prime Minister thanked the Kingdom of Netherlands for playing its role in supporting refugees and the host communities in areas of education, Jobs and improving livelihoods.
Commenting about the terrorist attacks that occurred in Kampala, the Prime Minister allayed fears and assured the public that the situation was under control. She called for community vigilance to help security forces to secure the country.
The visiting Deputy Vice Minister for International Cooperation, Birgitta Tazelaar described Uganda as a good example in hosting refugees. She assured the Prime Minister that her government will continue liaising with International agencies, to support Uganda’s refugee response.
Those who attended the meeting included the Dutch Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Karin Boren, State Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Hon. Esther Anyakun and other Senior Government and Netherlands Embassy officials. END
