By Okullo Joshua
Benishangul-Gumuz, Ethiopia | Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the African Union, H.E. Ambassador Rebecca Amuge Otengo joined fellow diplomats, humanitarian leaders, refugees, and host communities in Ethiopia’s Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State to commemorate World Refugee Day 2026.
The event took place on June 20, 2026, at the Ura Refugee Settlement, one of the refugee-hosting communities in northwestern Ethiopia near the Sudanese border. Ambassador Otengo was part of a distinguished delegation that included Ambassador Willy Nyamitwe of Burundi, Ambassador Ewumbue-Monono of Cameroon, and senior officials from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), led by High Commissioner H.E. Barham Salih.
During the visit, the delegation engaged directly with refugees, local host communities, and humanitarian partners to gain firsthand insight into the challenges faced by displaced populations and the efforts being undertaken to provide protection, assistance, and long-term solutions.
Speaking through her participation and engagement, Ambassador Otengo reaffirmed Uganda’s unwavering commitment to supporting refugees and advancing regional solidarity in addressing forced displacement. Uganda continues to be recognized globally for its progressive refugee policies and its longstanding tradition of providing sanctuary to those fleeing conflict and persecution.
The World Refugee Day commemoration served as an opportunity to highlight the resilience and courage of refugees while calling for increased international cooperation to address the root causes of displacement and ensure sustainable solutions for affected communities.
The visit also underscored the importance of collaboration among African nations, international organizations, and humanitarian partners in promoting dignity, protection, and hope for millions of displaced persons across the continent.
As the world marked World Refugee Day under the spirit of collective responsibility, Ambassador Rebecca Amuge Otengo joined fellow leaders in reaffirming a shared commitment to ensuring that no refugee is left behind and that efforts continue “until everyone is safe.”