The UAE has funded a shipment of basic humanitarian relief items, at a cost of over AED1.6 million, dispatched to Uganda for the displaced South Sudanese there.
The gesture follows the directives of Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his wife, HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, Chairperson of the International Humanitarian City, IHC, in the wake of the recent violence that prompted many to flee South Sudan and seek refuge in Uganda.
The shipment, which was sent from Al Maktoum International Airport, included 10,000 kitchen kits, 4,000 solar lamps and 500 pieces of laminated blankets.
Toby Harward, Head of Office, UNHCR in the UAE, praised the gesture, saying, "We extend thanks to the UAE for the generous donations to alleviate the suffering of thousands of South Sudanese refugees."
This move, he continued, "Comes as the security situation in South Sudan deteriorates. There is an urgent need for collective efforts to assist the Ugandan authorities to respond to the urgent needs of large numbers of South Sudanese who have been forced to flee their country. This shipment is part of international response to the crisis."
In 2016, the Government of Dubai order airlifting of 100,000 tonnes of basic relief items to thousands of South Sudanese in Uganda.

Source: WAM