By Francis Lubega
Over USD 372.6 million have been collected from the just concluded UN- Uganda Solidarity Summit on refugees held at the Common Wealth Resort Munyonyo from June 22 to 23rd 2017.
At least USD 358.2 million will go towards saving lives of the refuges from south Sudan who contribute almost 70% of the total number of refugees in Uganda.
Other EU Member states that individually announced pledges included Germany with $55 million , United Kingdom with $50 million, Sweden with $27 million , Italy with $5 million , Norway with 4 million., Austria $5 million.
Outside the EU, Japan pledged $10 million, China pledged $5 million, United Arab Emirates $5 million, Canada$ 11 million, China $500,000, African Union $100,000, Gabon $250,000, Equatorial Guinea $100,000, India $1m among others. MTN Uganda said it was to provide one billion shillings.
The summit which attracted a number of dignitaries including the UN Secretary General Antonio Guteres, was organized with the main objective of collecting USD 2 billion to cater for a population of 1.27 million refugees who are seeking shelter in 12 district of Uganda.
While closing this summit, president Museveni appreciated all countries that and organizations that have expressed solidarity by contributing towards saving lives of these refugees.
He has however asked those who have not yet made their pledges to respond positively.
Uganda hosts 1.2 million refugees mostly from South Sudan, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea and Somalia.
Dignitaries also visited different refugee camps in Arua and Kyangwali and schools where refugee children are taught from.
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