The United Kingdom has pledged £16.5 million (Shs74.2 billion) to the World Food Programme (WFP) for the 2024/25 period to support Uganda’s refugee response. This funding forms part of a broader £25 million commitment to assist refugees in Uganda, marking an increase from the previous three years.
Since 2018, the UK has partnered with WFP in supporting Uganda’s refugee strategy. Uganda currently hosts over 1.7 million refugees, the largest refugee population in Africa, with approximately 80% of them being women and children. The ongoing conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Sudan continue to contribute to forced displacement to Uganda.
This new funding will enable WFP to expand cash transfers for General Food Assistance in nine settlements, benefiting over 800,000 refugees. The scaling up of digital cash transfers aims to enhance cost-effectiveness, stimulate the local economy, and provide refugees with the flexibility to meet their most urgent needs.
Additionally, the UK’s support will fund financial literacy training for cash recipients, ensuring secure access to banking and mobile money, and assist households in managing their finances. The funding will also contribute to WFP’s Transition to Resilience Programme, which focuses on improving the economic resilience and self-reliance of both refugees and host communities, reducing dependency on food aid.
The UK’s contribution reaffirms its commitment to sustainable refugee assistance and aligns with Uganda’s pledges made at the Global Refugee Forum. The goal is to collectively work towards durable solutions to address the root causes of displacement.
British High Commissioner to Uganda, Lisa Chesney, expressed pride in supporting the WFP’s efforts to provide cash transfers to over 800,000 refugees, promoting self-reliance and economic empowerment. “Our commitment underscores the importance of dignified assistance and sustainable approaches in prolonged displacement situations,” she said.
Marcus Prior, WFP’s Acting Country Director, emphasized the need for comprehensive development approaches beyond immediate humanitarian support, acknowledging Uganda’s role as the host of Africa’s largest refugee population.
