The British government has committed £16.5 million (UGX 74.2 billion) to Uganda’s refugee response for 2024/25, reaffirming its long-standing partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Government of Uganda. The funding, part of a larger £25 million pledge, seeks to address both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term resilience.
With Uganda hosting over 1.7 million refugees—the highest number in Africa—ongoing conflicts in South Sudan, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo continue to drive displacement. Women and children constitute around 80% of the refugee population, making targeted and sustainable interventions critical.
The UK’s funding will facilitate cash-based General Food Assistance in nine settlements, directly benefiting over 800,000 refugees. This shift from traditional food aid to digital cash transfers offers multiple advantages, including cost efficiency, economic stimulation, and enhanced autonomy for recipients in meeting their household priorities.
British High Commissioner Lisa Chesney expressed pride in the UK’s contributions. “By enabling WFP to expand cash transfers, we tackle food insecurity and promote economic empowerment. This approach provides dignified assistance while supporting sustainable solutions for displaced populations,” she remarked.
In addition to cash transfers, the funding will sponsor financial literacy initiatives and the Transition to Resilience Programme, which focuses on equipping refugees and host communities with skills to build economic independence. WFP Acting Country Director Marcus Prior highlighted the transformative potential of this investment, stating, “Our partnership with the UK strengthens our ability to provide both immediate relief and long-term resilience for Uganda’s vast refugee population.”
This commitment underscores the UK’s adherence to humanitarian principles and its alignment with Uganda’s global pledges for durable refugee solutions, ensuring a future where both refugees and host communities can thrive.