(KOBOKO, UGANDA) – Single refugee mothers from South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) living in Uganda’s West Nile region are facing growing hardship due to declining aid and worsening living conditions. Many fled violent conflict and personal tragedy, only to encounter new challenges in displacement.
When they first arrived in Uganda, life in refugee settlements like Lobule and Waju was difficult but manageable. However, that situation has changed drastically. International aid has reduced and financial support now stands at only UGX 12,000 (approx. $3) per household, making it nearly impossible for many to cover basic needs.
Faced with the worsening situation in settlements, a growing number of refugee mothers have chosen to move to urban areas like Koboko town in search of work and better opportunities. Instead, many have found a new reality of high rent, rising food prices and limited income opportunities.
Salima Mayunga fled the conflict in Kisangani through Goma in eastern DRC in 2003, after her husband was killed. She eventually reached Uganda with her four children and settled in Lobule. But when life in the settlement became too difficult, she moved to Koboko town, hoping to find a fresh start. Speaking in Kiswahili, she described how high rental costs and school fees make survival extremely difficult.
“We thought life would improve in town, but we are still suffering,” she said.
Kahambu Makile, another single mother originally from Goma, has lived in the Waju settlement for over 10 years. Like Salima, she recently relocated to Koboko, but her situation has not improved. Now staying with her younger sister, she survives on casual labour such as digging and fetching water for local families to earn enough to buy food. Some days, they sleep without eating.
Rose Mary Ariye, a South Sudanese refugee and mother of five, also left Lobule settlement for Koboko, hoping for better chances. Instead, she has found herself battling rent costs and trying to secure money for school fees and daily meals. With food aid cut and living costs rising, her challenges continue to grow.
The economic burden for these mothers has been compounded by Uganda’s post COVID-19 financial climate and the withdrawal of major humanitarian donors. The reduction in food distribution and cash aid has forced many families to leave camps and attempt to survive in towns like Koboko.
A breakdown of current household assistance is shown below:
| Item | Current Aid Amount (UGX) | Approx. in USD |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cash per household | 12,000 UGX | $3 |
| Food rations | Severely reduced | – |
| Rent (urban areas, avg.) | 60,000–100,000 UGX | $13–$22 |
| School fees (per child) | 40,000–80,000 UGX/month | $9–$17 |
Many women interviewed said they would prefer to return to the camps if conditions were more secure and aid was reliable. However, with no clear policy on improving refugee settlement support, they are left with little choice but to face the difficult realities of urban life.
Local governments are clearly under increased pressure to provide services and manage limited resources as more displaced families move into towns. Health care centres, schools and water supplies are struggling to keep up with rising demand.
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