Story perspectives

Uganda Halts Asylum for Eritrean, Somali, Ethiopian Refugees

12/5/2025

Summary

Story summary

Uganda halted asylum and refugee status for Eritrea, Somalia, and Ethiopia due to funding shortfalls.
Minister Hillary Onek said new arrivals would not receive refugee status because they are not experiencing war.
The decision leaves thousands facing legal and humanitarian challenges.
Only 25% of the $968 million Uganda refugee response plan is funded.
Refugees International’s Abdullahi Halakhe called the directive a regression from Uganda's prior policies.

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Story summary

Uganda halted asylum and refugee status for Eritrea, Somalia, and Ethiopia due to funding shortfalls.
Minister Hillary Onek said new arrivals would not receive refugee status because they are not experiencing war.
The decision leaves thousands facing legal and humanitarian challenges.
Only 25% of the $968 million Uganda refugee response plan is funded.
Refugees International’s Abdullahi Halakhe called the directive a regression from Uganda's prior policies.