By Mary Sonia Kyomuhendo
ISINGIRO
In a gesture of solidarity and brotherly love, the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has donated 12,700 boxes of food to the Nakivaale refugee camp. The donation which includes maize flour, sugar, rice, beans, salt, and cooking oil, was received by the Rubondo sub-base camp through the Office of the Prime Minister.
The Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Uganda, Mohammad Bin Khalil Faroudah, expressed hope that the donation would strengthen the bond between the two countries. “We are committed to supporting our brothers and sisters in need, and we hope this donation will make a difference in the lives of the refugees,” he said.
The Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Okello Patrick, thanked the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for prioritizing support to refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo. “We are grateful for this timely donation, which will go a long way in supporting the vulnerable population in the camp,” he said.
The Rubondo sub-base camp is currently hosting an overwhelming number of refugees, with 30% of them coming from the DR Congo. According to Mrs. Pauline Irene, Refugee Desk Officer, the Congolese refugees are among the most vulnerable populations in the camp due to the continuous influx of new arrivals.
The donation was appreciated by various partners, including Alight, Hunger Fighters Uganda, UNCHR and others, who acknowledged the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s support for refugees in Uganda.
“This generous donation is a testament to the strong relationship between Saudi Arabia and Uganda and demonstrates the commitment of the international community to supporting vulnerable populations” added Irene.
