The government of Uganda has signed an agreement with the African Union (AU) to host the headquarters of the African Union Humanitarian Agency. The agreement, known as the Host Country Agreement, was signed on November 9, 2026, at State House in Entebbe, Uganda. The agreement paves the way for the establishment of the agency's headquarters in Uganda, which will coordinate humanitarian efforts across the continent.
The African Union Humanitarian Agency will play a critical role in responding to humanitarian crises in Africa, including conflicts, natural disasters, and epidemics. The agency will work to strengthen the continent's capacity to respond to humanitarian emergencies and provide support to affected communities. Uganda's President, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, welcomed the decision to host the agency's headquarters, saying it will enhance the country's role in humanitarian efforts.
Uganda competed with other countries, including Kenya, Nigeria, and Guinea Equatoriale, to host the agency's headquarters. According to the evaluation report, Uganda scored 85.66%, followed by Guinea Equatoriale with 76.70%, Kenya with 76.13%, and Nigeria with 74.50%. The AU's evaluation process considered various factors, including the country's infrastructure, security, and logistical capabilities.
The agreement was signed by Uganda's Attorney General, Sam Mayanja, and AU officials. Mayanja said the agreement is a significant milestone, as it provides a legal framework for the establishment and operation of the agency in Uganda. He added that the agency's operations are expected to commence in December 2026, although it may take up to three years to reach full operational capacity.
Uganda's Minister for Disaster Preparedness, Refugees, and Relief, Sam Engola, said hosting the agency's headquarters is a significant step in promoting African solidarity in humanitarian efforts. He noted that Uganda has experience in hosting and assisting refugees from various countries and that this experience will be leveraged to support the agency's operations.
The AU's Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Sustainable Development, Ambassador Amma Twum-Amoah, expressed gratitude to Uganda for hosting the agency's headquarters. She said the agency's establishment is critical in addressing the humanitarian challenges facing the continent, including conflicts, displacement, and natural disasters.
The African Union Humanitarian Agency is expected to enhance Uganda's role in humanitarian efforts and promote continental solidarity in responding to humanitarian crises. The agency's establishment is also expected to strengthen the AU's capacity to respond to humanitarian emergencies and provide support to affected communities across the continent.
Key points
- The African Union Humanitarian Agency will be headquartered in Uganda, which was selected after a competitive evaluation process.
- The agency will coordinate humanitarian efforts across the continent, including responses to conflicts, natural disasters, and epidemics.
- Uganda's hosting of the agency's headquarters is expected to enhance the country's role in humanitarian efforts and promote continental solidarity.
