European Union Contributes EUR 5 Million to Enhance Food Security and Self-Reliance in Uganda's Refugee Camps

The European Union has donated EUR 5 million to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to support income-generating activities in Uganda's refugee camps. With 1.9 million refugees and asylum seekers, Uganda is the largest refugee-hosting country in Africa. The government's refugee policy allows refugees to work and move freely, but economic opportunities are scarce in and around refugee settlements. WFP supports 660,000 refugees with cash transfers and in-kind food assistance, as well as programs to increase self-reliance and improve nutrition.

Key Takeaways:

• The European Union's EUR 5 million contribution will support income-generating activities in Uganda's Nakivale and Oruchinga refugee settlements and host communities.
• The funding will enable WFP to provide training on best farming practices, financial literacy skills, and nutrition assistance to 12,600 refugees and 5,400 host community members.
• The initiative 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, and the agency was forced to halt food assistance for nearly one million refugees in May.
• The partnership between Uganda and the European Union is guided by mutual political, trade, and development interests, and the EU is a key development partner of Uganda.
• The European Union is the world's leading donor of humanitarian aid, including in Uganda.

Statistics:

• 1.9 million refugees and asylum seekers in Uganda, making it the largest refugee-hosting country in Africa.
• 660,000 refugees supported by WFP with cash transfers and in-kind food assistance.
• 12,600 refugees and 5,400 host community members expected to be supported by the EUR 5 million contribution.
• 22% – the unprecedented low of food rations for refugees in May due to funding shortfalls.
• 5 million – the amount of EUR donated by the European Union to support income-generating activities in refugee camps.

Sources:

• World Food Programme – "WFP welcomes EUR 5 million contribution from the European Union to support refugees and host communities in Uganda"
• European Union – "European Union steps up support to Uganda's refugees"
• Contify.com – "European Union Contributes EUR 5 Million to Enhance Food Security and Self-Reliance in Uganda's Refugee Camps"