Uganda is known for its welcoming policies toward refugees and currently hosts the largest refugee population in Africa. By the end of 2023, according to UNHCR, over 1.6 million refugees had sought safety in Uganda. Nakivale Refugee Settlement, one of the oldest and largest in the world, shelters more than 140,000 people from conflict-ridden countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Burundi, and Rwanda. While Uganda offers refuge, many of these families arrive with little more than hope, facing overwhelming challenges—especially regarding securing adequate shelter.
We are Foster, Furkan, Kübra, Mariana, and Rahül, five students from the European Master in Migration and Intercultural Relations (EMMIR) Edition 11, currently interning in the Nakivale Refugee Settlement for two months.
Through our work with various organisations that focus on education, gender-based violence, and cultural integration, we have gained first-hand exposure to the struggles refugees face daily. One of the most critical issues we observed upon arrival was the lack of safe, durable housing for newly arrived families. Many refugees, having fled life-threatening situations, find themselves vulnerable once again—this time to the harsh living conditions of the settlement, especially during the rainy season.
Recognising that one of the biggest challenges new arrivals in Nakivale face is the lack of adequate shelter, and inspired by the work of Opportunigee, a refugee-led organisation dedicated to empowering youth and strengthening the community through impactful projects (such as building homes for vulnerable newly arrived refugees using recycled materials) we partnered with Opportunigee to launch a fundraising campaign. Our goal is to raise money to build homes for these families in need. These homes will provide a foundation for refugees to rebuild their lives, restoring hope and offering a pathway to a brighter future.
We are working to raise €4,521 by October to start construction before the rainy season makes it even more difficult for families to find protection. Every contribution will help us provide:
Sustainable construction materials to build long-lasting homes.
Fair wages for refugees who will help construct the houses, fostering local employment.
Essential tools and equipment needed for the construction process.
We invite the entire EMMIR community and beyond to contribute and help provide more than a roof over someone’s head. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to giving these families the secure, durable homes they deserve. If you are unable to donate, sharing our message is just as powerful.
Together, we can make a lasting impact. Support our campaign by visiting our GoFundMe
page. Follow us on Instagram @buildrefugeehomes and help us create a future where some refugees can rebuild their lives with dignity.
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