Refugee Finance – July 2023
REFUGEE FINANCE PROGRAMME, UGANDA
(Photo credit: Luke Dray, Arete)
In 2019, Opportunity International UK (OIUK) started working in the refugee space in Uganda, to promote financial inclusion among refugee and host communities in and around refugee settlements. Hosting over 1.5 million refugees, Uganda is the largest hosting nation in Africa and the third largest in the world. Many refugees are well established and looking to grow their livelihoods and build resilience. In 2020, COVID arrived and the world went into lockdown. Uganda experienced one of the longest lockdowns in the world, which slowed project rollout and impacted livelihoods among refugee communities, as they were unable to access markets. Withdrawal of UK AID funding also led to the initial project having to be adapted. Despite this, the project has continued to scale up and has supported communities through financial literacy training and access to financial services. Over the past 12 months, the project has grown into a programme, adding a focus on job creation and supporting income generation for Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers.
Angel Court 81 St. Clements, Oxford OX41AW, United Kingdom T 01865 725304 E ukinfo@opportunity.org W www.opportunity.org.uk
Patron: HRH The Princess Royal
Opportunity International United Kingdom is registered as a charity in England and Wales (1107713) and in Scotland (SC039692). A company limited by guarantee in England and Wales (05322719). Registered office as stated.