Members of Parliament from the West Nile Parliamentary Caucus have expressed concerns about the marginalization of local communities in districts hosting refugees. 

The MPs claim that services like road construction, healthcare facilities and safe water are concentrated in refugee areas, leaving local communities behind.

The MPs, led by Godfrey Feta, the Chairperson of the West Nile Parliamentary Group and Joanne Aniku Okia, the Madi-Okollo District Woman MP are calling for a policy shift to ensure that services benefiting refugees also extend to local communities.

They made these remarks during a meeting with the European Union (EU) delegation led by Toke Hauch Arnold.

The EU delegation met with the MPs ahead of their visit to the area to understand the challenges and opportunities in refugee-hosting districts. 

The MPs’ concerns highlight the need for a more inclusive approach to service delivery, one that balances the needs of both refugees and local communities.

By Francis Lubega

24 Jan 2025

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