Ireland Contributes $19.6 Million to Boost Self-Reliance and Social Protection in Uganda

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a $19.6 million (EUR18 million) contribution from the Government of Ireland as part of a multi-year commitment (2024-2027) to support Uganda’s efforts to enhance refugee self-reliance and improve social protection and school feeding in the Karamoja region.

“Supporting Karamoja and refugee communities is central to our mission in Uganda,” said Kevin Colgan, Ireland’s Ambassador to Uganda. “This funding underscores Ireland’s dedication to keeping Karamoja’s children in school, improving food security and livelihoods, and stimulating the local economy.”

The contribution will allow WFP to provide meals to 220,000 schoolchildren in Karamoja by purchasing locally available maize, beans, and oil. It will also help restore degraded land and promote crop diversification in this climate-vulnerable region. Additionally, early warning systems will be enhanced to prepare communities for climate shocks like droughts and floods.

In refugee-hosting districts, over 50,000 refugees will transition from humanitarian aid to self-reliance through livelihood programs. WFP is working with Uganda’s government to promote income-generating activities for both refugees and host communities to ensure food security.

WFP Country Director Abdirahman Meygag expressed gratitude for Ireland’s support, stating, “This contribution is vital in creating pathways to self-reliance and reducing the need for long-term humanitarian assistance in Karamoja and refugee settlements.”

Despite Uganda’s anticipated increase in crop production in 2024, over 400,000 people in Karamoja and 70% of refugee households remain food insecure, according to recent analyses. WFP continues to provide food and cash assistance to 1.4 million refugees in Uganda, prioritizing the most vulnerable.

Ireland’s latest contribution builds on its previous support of EUR11.4 million to WFP from 2020 to 2023.