The United Kingdom has announced a significant funding commitment of £16.5 million (UGX 74.2 billion) to support Uganda’s refugee response. This funding, which will be channeled through the World Food Programme (WFP), aims to provide critical assistance to over 800,000 vulnerable refugees in Uganda.
Uganda hosts the largest refugee population in Africa, with over 1.7 million refugees, mostly women and children, fleeing protracted armed conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Sudan. This funding will enable the WFP to expand cash transfers for General Food Assistance in nine settlements, promoting self-reliance and economic empowerment among refugees.
According to Lisa Chesney MBE, the British High Commissioner to Uganda, “We are proud to contribute funds to enable the World Food Programme to provide cash transfers to over 800,000 refugees in Uganda, tackling food insecurity, meeting basic needs, and promoting self-reliance and economic empowerment.”
Marcus Prior, the Acting Country Director of WFP, emphasized the importance of comprehensive development approaches that go beyond immediate humanitarian support. “WFP remains committed to working closely with the United Kingdom to provide emergency cash assistance and enhance the resilience of refugees, enabling them to thrive alongside host communities.”
This funding demonstrates the UK’s commitment to humanitarian principles and underscores the importance of empowering communities to build sustainable futures.
