Where is the biggest refugee camp in the world, as of this year? We often ask that question of our stakeholders because the answer is, sadly, a surprise to many. Some suggest Turkey, others Jordan, others Germany. Almost none, however, considers the possibility of Northern Uganda. At this time, though, it has the largest camp in the world, as South Sudanese refugees have poured over the border. This highlights a bigger problem in the world of displacement. Although much is made of the movement of refugees in countries such as Germany and the UK, a far higher proportion of refugees is being absorbed by fragile states and under-resourced nations.

NUTRITION: A simple meal of corn flour and water is the staple for many. It offers very limited nutrition

WOMEN & CHILDREN: The refugees in Northern Uganda are largely women and children. The men have either been killed in the conflict, or are still in South Sudan caught up in the fighting

MEDICAL CARE: The life of this little child is at risk because of malaria. Medication is available in these area, but is not accessible for these refugees.

HUNGER: The food provided for refugees, monthly, lasts for only two of the four weeks. They also grow what they can, but their plots of land are small and they cant manage on the yielded crops. Malnutrition remains high.

SHELTER is a major challenge as the number of refugees continues to increase.

FUEL: Firewood sounds like a simple enough requirement, but it comes at a cost to both the refugees and the Ugandan residents whose own supplies are limited.

FUTURE? There is hope in this little refugees cheeky face, but one has to wonder what future life holds for him.

CGV UK Manager, Natalya Kan, visited Northern Uganda, this year, with Malcolm Begbie, Crossroads’ Co-founder and Director. As Natalya put it, watching the tragic flow of humanity, “They just keep coming and coming…”

Malcolm Begbie, Crossroads Co-founder and Director in Nothern Uganda

Natalya Kan with community leader, Katherine Okello

SOLAR LIGHTS Crossroads partnered with solar company, d.light, to give solar lights to refugees in this area.

The number reached 1 million refugees this year, with an average of 1,800 arriving daily. Ugandan officials say they are overwhelmed by the flow of people. Our team was there to find a ‘match’ with UK companies and other organisations offering donated goods and further support.