Ethiopia – June 20, 2026
H.E. Ambassador Rebecca Amuge Otengo, Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the African Union, joined fellow African diplomats and humanitarian leaders in Ethiopia to commemorate World Refugee Day, reaffirming a collective commitment to protecting and supporting displaced populations across the continent.
The commemoration took place at the Ura Refugee Settlement in Ethiopia’s Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State, a region that hosts thousands of refugees and asylum seekers who have fled conflict and instability in neighboring countries.
Ambassador Otengo was part of a high-level delegation that included representatives from several African nations and officials from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The delegation spent the day interacting with refugees, community leaders, and humanitarian workers, gaining valuable insights into both the challenges and opportunities facing displaced communities.
The visit highlighted the critical role of host communities and humanitarian partners in fostering resilience, inclusion, and hope for those forced to leave their homes. Discussions focused on strengthening protection mechanisms, enhancing access to essential services, and advancing durable solutions that promote self-reliance and long-term stability.
For Uganda, a country widely recognized for its open-door refugee policy, the occasion provided an opportunity to reaffirm its longstanding commitment to humanitarian principles and regional cooperation. Ambassador Otengo emphasized the importance of shared responsibility among nations in addressing displacement and ensuring that refugees are treated with dignity and respect.
World Refugee Day serves as a reminder of the resilience of millions of displaced people worldwide and the urgent need for continued international solidarity. Through her participation in the event, Ambassador Otengo joined other leaders in calling for sustained efforts to create safer, more inclusive futures for refugees and host communities alike.
The visit concluded with a renewed pledge by participating stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and support initiatives aimed at delivering protection, opportunity, and lasting solutions for displaced populations across Africa.
As global displacement continues to rise, events such as these underscore the importance of collective action in responding to humanitarian challenges. Ambassador Rebecca Amuge Otengo’s participation reflects Uganda’s enduring commitment to promoting peace, human dignity, and regional cooperation in pursuit of a future where every displaced person can live in safety and hope.
