Building Resilience: Uganda to Launch $328M DRDIP Phase II in October
As one of the world’s leading refugee-hosting nations, Uganda continues to seek sustainable solutions for displaced populations and the communities that support them. The government has officially announced that implementation of the DRDIP Phase II Uganda (Development Response to Displacement Impacts Project) will commence in October 2026.
Backed by a massive $328 million investment, this five-year program is designed to directly target and uplift three million refugees and host community members across 14 heavily impacted districts.
The DRDIP program supports both refugees and host communities in Uganda. Source: Jack Taylor / Getty Images
Addressing Long-Term Displacement Impacts
The Minister for Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Hon. Sam Engola, detailed the upcoming rollout while appearing before the Committee on Presidential Affairs on Tuesday, September 15.
According to Engola, DRDIP Phase II Uganda will actively address the long-term socio-economic and environmental consequences of forced displacement. “The project will support investments in social and economic services and infrastructure, livelihoods and economic opportunities, environmental management, and community resilience,” the Minister explained.
The initiative is heavily supported by development partners, primarily the World Bank in Uganda, which has been instrumental in funding infrastructure upgrades in these vulnerable regions. Engola urged lawmakers to join the government in community mobilization, stressing the need to correct misinformation and encourage constructive participation from local populations.
The Committee on Presidential Affairs reviewing the DRDIP Phase II rollout. Source: ABUBAKER LUBOWA / REUTERS
Parliament Demands Accountability for Phase I
While Phase I reportedly achieved significant milestones in improving service access, members of the Parliament of Uganda demanded strict accountability before fully endorsing the next chapter.
Committee Chairperson Hon. Martin Mapenduzi Ojara challenged the Minister on pending deliverables. “There is nowhere in your presentation where you mention when you will finish the incomplete projects, yet you are already proceeding to Phase II,” Ojara noted. He formally requested a detailed report outlining all uncompleted Phase I projects, alongside a thorough breakdown of implementation costs.
For our readers following regional Politics on the Afrikeye homepage, the success of these programs is critical for maintaining stability. Hon. Lucy Akello, the Amuru District Woman Representative, called for a comprehensive impact evaluation of the first phase. Concurrently, Hon. Ali Kasirye demanded a clearer human resource structure to avoid the bureaucratic delays that previously plagued local government coordination.
As the October launch date for DRDIP Phase II Uganda approaches, ensuring equitable distribution and seamless disbursement will be vital. Stabilizing these communities not only supports humanitarian goals but also fosters the secure environments necessary for regional development and growing sectors like those featured on Afrikeye Travel.
