Outgoing USAID Mission Director Urges Refugee Funding Strategies

The Uganda outgoing Mission Director at USAID Richard L Nelson  calls for new strategies  of acquiring funds to support refugees in the country.

In his farewell message, Nelson noted that the level of funding for refugees in Uganda has shrunk, leaving many refugees with no access to basic needs, including healthcare, and education.

“Resources are going down globally for refugee support, so we have to figure out a new way to support the refugee population, Uganda has had a very progressive level of powers in welcoming refugees and we support that but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find funding for them”Nelson explained.

He also commended the ministry of health for its efforts in saving people’s lives most especially during the  Covid 19 crisis where in collaboration they managed to fully vaccinate over 50%  of the eligible population.

He said that currently , the majority of ordinary Ugandans have access to better education, are living healthier and participating more fully in their communities because of their partnership with the government.

He added that knowing their partnership over the years helps him to depart Uganda with confidence that this work will continue.

Nelson also tells us of how he fell in love with the beauty that Uganda is. He had the opportunity to visit several tourist sites together with his family and friends.

"One of my big takeaways is how beautiful Uganda is ,it's just amazing and very green ",he narrated.

Richard L Nelson was appointed Mission Director USAID in  2020 at the peak of covid 19 across the globe and his tasks end this month.

He will now take on his new assignment as the "Power Africa Coordinator". He will be replaced by Daniele Nyirandutiye who has been  the Deputy Mission Director at USAID  for two years.