European Union and World Food Programme Enhance Self-Reliance and Food Security for Refugees in Uganda

Strategic Insights -

The European Union (EU) has contributed EUR 5 million to the World Food Programme (WFP) to support income-generating activities and enhance self-reliance and food security for refugees and host communities in Uganda. This contribution will benefit 12,600 refugees in the Nakivale and Oruchinga refugee settlements and 5,400 host community members, with the goal of empowering them to become self-reliant. Uganda hosts 1.9 million refugees and asylum seekers, making it the largest refugee-hosting country in Africa.

Key Takeaways:

  • The EU's contribution of EUR 5 million will support income-generating activities for refugees and host communities in Uganda, enhancing their self-reliance and food security.
  • The program will benefit 12,600 refugees in the Nakivale and Oruchinga refugee settlements and 5,400 host community members.
  • WFP supports 660,000 refugees in Uganda with cash transfers and in-kind food assistance, as well as programs to increase self-reliance and improve the nutrition of mothers and their children.
  • The initiative includes training on best farming practices, financial literacy skills, and resource growth for business management, as well as nutrition assistance for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
  • This partnership is part of the European Union's Action for Protection, Assistance, and Durable Solutions for Displaced Populations in Sub-Saharan Africa (EUPADS).
  • WFP's food assistance programs in Uganda are facing critical funding shortfalls, with a halt to food assistance for nearly one million refugees and a reduction in food rations for others to an unprecedented low of 22 percent.

Statistics:

  • Uganda hosts 1.9 million refugees and asylum seekers, making it the largest refugee-hosting country in Africa.
  • The European Union's contribution of EUR 5 million will benefit 12,600 refugees in the Nakivale and Oruchinga refugee settlements and 5,400 host community members.
  • WFP supports 660,000 refugees in Uganda with cash transfers and in-kind food assistance.
  • The food assistance programs in Uganda are facing a critical funding shortfall of EUR 10 million to continue providing full rations.

Sources:

  • "World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes EUR 5 million from European Union (EU) to support income-generating activities for refugees and host communities in Uganda" (M2 PressWIRE-July 2, 2025)
  • World Food Programme (WFP), "Food Assistance in Uganda" (APO Group)