The United Kingdom has announced a £16.5 million (UGX 74.2 billion) contribution to the World Food Programme (WFP) for the 2024/25 fiscal year to enhance support for Uganda’s refugee response.
This funding represents a significant increase from previous years and is part of a larger £25 million commitment aimed at bolstering humanitarian and development efforts for refugees in Uganda.
This collaboration between the UK and WFP, which began in 2018, aligns with the Government of Uganda’s refugee response strategy. Uganda hosts over 1.7 million refugees, the largest population in Africa, with 80% being women and children.
Many refugees have fled protracted armed conflicts in neighboring countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Sudan. The West Nile region, which borders South Sudan and the DRC, remains a focal point for refugee settlement and humanitarian aid.
The UK’s funding will enable WFP to expand cash transfers for General Food Assistance in nine refugee settlements, including those in the West Nile region such as Rhino Camp, Bidibidi, and Imvepi.
These settlements host some of the most vulnerable refugee populations, and over 800,000 individuals are expected to benefit from the support. The introduction of digital cash transfers will not only enhance cost-effectiveness but also stimulate the local economy and provide refugees with greater flexibility to meet their essential needs.
To ensure sustainable benefits, the funding will also include financial literacy training, equipping refugees with the skills to access and manage banking or mobile money services safely.In addition to addressing immediate needs, the UK’s contribution will support WFP’s Transition to Resilience Programme.
This initiative aims to strengthen the economic resilience and self-reliance of refugees and host communities, including those in West Nile.
By fostering livelihood opportunities and reducing dependency on food assistance, the program seeks to promote long-term sustainability and integration between refugees and their host communities.
Amidst rising global humanitarian needs, the UK’s funding underscores a commitment to sustainable approaches in addressing displacement. The initiative also supports Uganda’s pledges at the Global Refugee Forum to find durable solutions to the root causes of displacement.Lisa Chesney, the British High Commissioner to Uganda, emphasized the importance of the partnership:
“We are proud to contribute funds to enable the World Food Programme to provide cash transfers to over 800,000 refugees in Uganda, including in West Nile, to tackle food insecurity, meet basic needs, and promote economic empowerment. Our commitment underscores our belief in providing dignified assistance while fostering sustainable development in areas affected by protracted displacement.”Marcus Prior, the Acting Country Director for WFP in Uganda, added:
“As Uganda hosts the largest refugee population in Africa, the need for comprehensive development approaches that go beyond immediate humanitarian support is critical. WFP remains dedicated to collaborating with the UK to deliver emergency assistance while enhancing the resilience of refugees, especially in regions like West Nile, where the challenges are most acute.”
The West Nile region, already home to hundreds of thousands of refugees, is set to benefit significantly from this funding, which highlights the importance of empowering both refugees and host communities to build sustainable futures. The UK’s renewed commitment signals a continued focus on supporting Uganda’s inclusive approach to refugee management and fostering resilience amidst ongoing challenges.
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