Uganda to Host AU Humanitarian Agency Headquarters

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni witnessed the signing of a Host Country Agreement between the Government of Uganda and the African Union for the establishment of the AU Humanitarian Agency headquarters in Uganda. The agreement was signed at State House, Entebbe. This marks a major milestone in Uganda's efforts to host the continental institution responsible for strengthening Africa's humanitarian response.

The AU Humanitarian Agency will play a critical role in coordinating humanitarian assistance during emergencies. This includes the distribution of food and other essential supplies to populations affected by disasters and other crises. President Museveni welcomed the decision to establish the agency's headquarters in Uganda. He noted that it would strengthen Africa's capacity to respond to humanitarian challenges while improving coordination of assistance to vulnerable communities.

The Attorney General, Hon. Sam Mayanja, signed the agreement on behalf of the Government of Uganda. He thanked President Museveni for spearheading the country's efforts to secure the bid to host the continental agency. Uganda scored 85 per cent in its successful bid, demonstrating the confidence and recognition the country enjoys within the African Union.

The process of establishing the headquarters is expected to commence in December 2026 and take approximately three years before the agency becomes fully operational. The Host Country Agreement provides the legal and institutional framework for the establishment and operation of the agency in Uganda. The Government of Uganda has pledged its commitment to fulfilling its obligations under the agreement.

The Minister of Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Hon. Sam Engola, described the signing as a significant milestone in strengthening humanitarian cooperation among African countries. He commended the African Union for selecting Uganda to host the agency. This decision recognises Uganda's longstanding contribution to humanitarian assistance, particularly its open-door refugee policy and continued support for displaced people.

The African Union Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Amb. Amma Twum-Amoah, expressed appreciation to President Museveni and the Government and people of Uganda for accepting to host the agency. She described the signing of the Host Country Agreement as an important step towards translating Africa's political commitment into institutional reality and strengthening the continent's ownership of humanitarian responses.

The African Union Commission has already mobilised the essential initial staff required to begin operationalising the agency. The Commission is ready to work closely with the Government of Uganda to facilitate the deployment of the initial team to Kampala, preferably by the end of November or, at the latest, by mid-December 2026. Expectations for the agency are high amid growing humanitarian challenges across the continent.

Key points

• The AU Humanitarian Agency headquarters will be established in Uganda after a successful bid with 85 per cent score.
• The agency will strengthen Africa's capacity to respond to humanitarian challenges and improve coordination of assistance to vulnerable communities.
• The process of establishing the headquarters is expected to take approximately three years.