UK Announces Shs74bn Funding towards Uganda’s Refugee Response

Kampala, Uganda: The United Kingdom has announced GBP 16.5 million (UGX 74.2 billion) to the World Food Programme (WFP) for 2024/25 to support the refugee response in Uganda.

This is a significant increase from the previous three years and forms part of a larger GBP 25 million commitment to the refugee response. This support is the latest element in several years of collaboration between the UK and WFP in Uganda since 2018 in support of the Government of Uganda’s overall refugee response strategy.

Uganda hosts over 1.7 million refugees, the largest refugee population in Africa. About 80% are women and children. Protracted armed conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Sudan continues to drive forced displacement to Uganda.

This funding will enable the World Food Programme to expand cash transfers for General Food Assistance in 9 settlements, benefitting over 800,000 of the most vulnerable refugees. Scaling up digital cash transfers will enhance cost-effectiveness, stimulate the local economy, and provide refugees with the flexibility to meet their priority needs. UK funding will additionally support financial literacy training for cash recipients to ensure safe access to banking or mobile money and support households to manage their finances.

Through this funding the UK will also contribute to WFP’s Transition to Resilience Programme which aims to improve the economic resilience and self-reliance of refugees and host communities, reducing their dependency on food assistance.  

Amidst rising global humanitarian needs, the UK remains committed to sustainable approaches to supporting refugees and host communities in Uganda. This funding reaffirms the UK’s dedication to supporting the Government of Uganda’s pledges at the Global Refugee Forum as we collectively work towards finding durable solutions to the causes of displacement

Lisa Chesney MBE, the British High Commissioner to Uganda said, “We are proud to contribute funds to enable the World Food Programme to provide cash transfers to over 800,000 refugees in Uganda, to tackle food insecurity, meet basic needs and promote self-reliance and economic empowerment. Our commitment to supporting the refugee response underscores our belief in the importance of providing dignified assistance and opportunities for those in need whilst promoting sustainable approaches in situations of protracted displacement.’’

The Acting Country Director of WFP Marcus Prior said. “As Uganda hosts the largest refugee population in Africa, we know from experience that there is a need for 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.