Kampala: The European Union (EU) and the World Food Programme (WFP) are collaborating to enhance self-reliance and food security for refugees and host communities in Uganda. The WFP has received a EUR 5 million contribution from the EU to support income-generating activities aimed at improving the livelihoods of refugees and their hosts.
According to African Press Organization, Uganda is home to 1.9 million refugees and asylum seekers, making it the largest refugee-hosting nation in Africa. While Uganda's national refugee policy allows refugees the freedom to work and move, economic opportunities remain limited in refugee settlements. Consequently, humanitarian and development aid remain essential for these communities striving to achieve self-reliance.
Genevieve Chicoine, WFP's Acting Country Director in Uganda, emphasized the importance of empowering refugees to become self-reliant. She noted that the EU's contribution will enable the WFP to equip thousands of refugees and host communities with necessary skills to sustain their livelihoods and ensure food security.
This initiative is part of the European Union's Action for Protection, Assistance and Durable Solutions for Displaced Populations in Sub-Saharan Africa (EUPADS). It supports efforts to address the root causes of displacement and reinforces national policies for displaced populations in countries like Uganda.
Despite these efforts, WFP's food assistance programs in Uganda are currently facing severe funding shortfalls. In May, the organization had to cease food assistance for nearly one million refugees and reduce food rations for others to an all-time low of 22 percent.