Uganda hosts 1,786,923 refugees and asylum seekers (Nov 2024), 31% of whom are from DRC, residing in settlements in South-Western Uganda. Planning figures indicate an expected increase of 94,321 Congolese refugees in 2025, who will be settled in Nakivale, Kyangwali and Rwamwanja, compounding existing challenges to service delivery (UNHCR). Despite Uganda’s progressive approach to refugee hosting, underpinned by its legislative framework and the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF), which allows refugees to access the same services as their host community peers, barriers continue to exist leading to low learning outcomes.
With funding from European Union , the Building Resilient Inclusive Systems for Locally Led Education and Protection (RISE) Project will achieve increased access, retention and improved learning outcomes for out of school children and children at risk of drop out, including newly arrived refugees, out of school children, unaccompanied and separated children and children at risk, and provide life-saving education and child protection services at transit sites (SO).
"The launch of the RISE project is a testimony to the EU’s continued commitment to provide education in emergencies,” said Morten Petersen, who helps oversee EU humanitarian programmes in Uganda. “Every child needs stability and access to education, but a safe learning environment is especially important for children in humanitarian crises. This project also underscores sustained collaboration with government-led efforts to address the educational needs of refugees. The EU remains committed to support access to education, both to the Ugandan host community and the refugees in the country”, added Morten.
The five million (5M) Euros RISE project will achieve the above through a consortium which leverages the individual technical expertise and operational presence of its partners, led by Save the Children (SC), with Humanity & Inclusion (HI), Education Local Expertise Centre Uganda (ELECU), Young African Refugees for Integral Development (YARID), Humanitarian Assistance and Development Services (HADS), Uganda Society for Disabled Children (USDC) and Katalemwa Cheshire Home (KCH).
"Education is a fundamental right, and the RISE Project reinforces the Ministry’s commitment to inclusive learning for all, including refugees. Through teacher training, community engagement, and systemic strengthening, this project will complement our efforts to build a resilient and adaptive education sector," says Dr. Cleophus Mugenyi, Commissioner Basic Education at the Ministry of Education and Sports.
RISE aims to reach 85,372 in and out of school children and young people and 12,264 adults including teachers, school management committees, parent teacher associations and child protection committees in three refugee settlements of Kyangwali, Rwamwanja and Nakivale and Nyakabande Transit Site.
“Save the Children and partners are excited to deliver this transformative project, which will leverage our collective expertise to deliver impact for refugee and host community children, ensuring that they access quality, inclusive learning opportunities. With generous support from European Union, we can ensure that children are protected, learn and gain the foundation for a bright future” says Famari Barro, Country Director, Save the Children.