Uganda and the African Union (AU) have signed the Host County Agreement at State House in Entebbe, paving the way for the establishment and operation of the African Union Hummanitarian Agency (AfHA) headquarters in Kampala Uganda.
The signing ceremoiny was witnessed by President Yoweri Museveni at State House, Entebbe.
“I thank the African Member States for the confidence they have placed in Uganda. The humanitarian challenges facing Africa require a coordinated continental response. We must work together to ensure that our people have access to the basic necessities of life, including food, shelter, clothing and medicine. This is a responsibility for all African countries, and every Member State must play its part,” Museveni stated .
Attorney General Sam Mayanja signed on behalf of the Government of Uganda, alongside AU Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development Amma Twum-Amoah
Uganda secured the hosting rights after scoring 85% in the AU selection process, recognized for its longstanding open-door refugee policy and experience in humanitarian response.
The formal establishment process is set to begin in December 2026 and is estimated to take approximately three years before the agency becomes fully operational.
The permanent headquarters is planned for Lubowa, with the Ugandan cabinet approving approximately UGX 315 billion (US $86 million) for temporary office space and permanent construction phases, while the AU and its member states will support ongoing operational costs.
The agency is designed to coordinate continental emergency relief, disaster response, food distribution, and long-term solutions for crises driven by conflict, displacement, and climate change across Africa.
