KAMPALA, Uganda — The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has received a EUR 3 million donation from the European Union’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) to extend critical food support to 336,000 refugees in Uganda.
The WFP, in collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and UNHCR, plans to distribute the aid through digital cash transfers, utilizing mobile money and agency banking services, to the most vulnerable and newly arrived refugees, predominantly from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, and Sudan. Cash-based transfers are recognized as highly effective in aiding refugee families and host communities, ensuring that aid is delivered safely, swiftly, and with respect for dignity. Liam Kelly, overseeing EU humanitarian aid in Uganda, emphasized the importance of this flexibility, noting that it allows families to meet their immediate needs while also bolstering local markets and businesses.
The ongoing Ebola outbreak has highlighted the significance of digital cash transfers, as they enable refugees to access aid remotely, reducing the risk of infection and crowding at distribution points. Marcus Prior, WFP’s Acting Country Representative in Uganda, highlighted the role of cash transfers in a more efficient and people-focused humanitarian response, which empowers refugees by granting them the choice to decide how to use the assistance. Uganda currently hosts over two million refugees across 13 settlements, the highest concentration in Africa.
The WFP is committed to linking emergency aid with sustainable solutions, enhancing resilience, and supporting both refugees and host communities in achieving self — reliance. For further information, contact Didas Kisembo, Communications Officer for WFP in Uganda, at +256 757 453232.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: World Food Programme
