Uganda’s top representative to the African Union, Ambassador Rebecca Amuge Otengo, recently traveled to Ethiopia to observe World Refugee Day on June 20, 2026. She joined a distinguished group of international diplomats, aid workers, and community leaders at the Ura Refugee Settlement in Ethiopia’s Benishangul-Gumuz region, a community near the Sudanese border that hosts many refugees.
During her visit, Ambassador Otengo and the delegation met directly with refugees, the local people hosting them, and various humanitarian organizations. This allowed them to understand firsthand the difficulties faced by those forced from their homes and and to see the efforts being made to protect and help them, while also working towards lasting solutions.
Ambassador Otengo used this important occasion to strongly state Uganda’s firm dedication to supporting refugees. She emphasized the need for African nations to work together to address the challenges of forced displacement. Uganda is widely recognized around the world for its forward-thinking policies regarding refugees and its long history of welcoming those who are fleeing conflict and hardship.
The World Refugee Day commemoration served as a powerful reminder of the incredible strength and bravery of refugees. It also highlighted the urgent need for countries worldwide to cooperate more closely. The goal is to tackle the root causes that force people to leave their homes and to ensure that affected communities receive sustainable help and solutions.
This visit underlined the vital importance of African countries, international groups, and aid partners working hand-in-hand. Their combined efforts are crucial to provide dignity, safety, and hope for the millions of displaced people across the African continent. As the world marked this day, the message was clear: everyone shares a responsibility to help those in need.