The Government will in October 2026 commence implementation of the Development Response to Displacement Impacts Project Phase II [DRDIP II], a $328 million programme targeting three million refugees and host community members.
The Minister for Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Hon. Sam Engola, announced this while appearing before the Committee on Presidential Affairs chaired by Hon. Martin Mapenduzi Ojara, on Tuesday, 15 September 2026.
Engola said the five-year project is designed to address the long-term socio-economic and environmental impacts of forced displacement in 14 refugee-hosting districts.
« DRDIP II will support investments in social and economic services and infrastructure, livelihoods and economic opportunities, environmental management and community resilience, » Engola said.
He appealed to Members of Parliament to support implementation through oversight, advocacy and community mobilisation.
« I call upon MPs to join government in creating awareness, correcting misinformation and mobilizing communities to participate constructively in the programme, » he said.
Engola, noted that Phase I registered significant achievements in improving access to services and strengthening livelihoods, and Phase II will build on those lessons to promote self-reliance.
However, the committee chairperson tasked the minister to account for incomplete projects under Phase I.
« 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 said.
He requested for a detailed report on all uncompleted DRDIP I projects and a breakdown of implementation costs for accountability.
Hon. Lucy Akello, the Amuru District Woman Representative, called for a comprehensive evaluation of Phase I to assess its impact, while Hon. Ali Kasirye (NUP, Makindye Division East, Kampala) asked for a clear implementation plan and human resource structure for DRDIP II.
Ojara, also the Bardege-Layibi Division MP, further urged the ministry to ensure equitable distribution of benefits and address challenges of delayed disbursements and weak coordination with local governments that affected Phase I.
DRDIP II is implemented with support from development partners, including the World Bank, and covers 14 refugee-hosting districts across the country.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.
