The Government of Ireland has announced a contribution of EUR 4.5 million (USD 5.3 million) to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Uganda, to strengthen the resilience of communities in Karamoja and refugee-hosting regions. This renewed partnership combines food assistance, school feeding, livelihoods, and social protection activities to support approximately 1 million vulnerable refugees and Ugandans.
"Ireland has a long and proud history of partnership with Uganda," said Mags Gaynor, Ambassador of Ireland to Uganda. "Our support to WFP reflects our commitment to reducing humanitarian need by reaching the furthest behind first. By investing in resilient food systems and empowering smallholder farmers, we are helping communities break the cycle of hunger and build a better future."
In Karamoja, where food insecurity remains high, this contribution will allow WFP to procure food for school meals, stimulating local economies. WFP will also enhance community resilience by restoring degraded land, promoting crop diversification and improving post-harvest management. WFP will support the Ugandan Government in extending social protection programmes to better prepare for shocks and natural disasters, such as droughts and floods.
"This contribution from Ireland is not just about emergency food assistance-it's about helping people build the foundations for a more stable and self-reliant future," said Lauren Landis, WFP Country Director in Uganda. "Through this collaboration, we aim to drive lasting change for both the people of Karamoja and refugee communities."
In refugee-hosting regions, WFP will provide cash assistance to the most vulnerable refugees, including older persons, and support both refugee and host communities to transition from humanitarian assistance to self-reliance by helping them invest in alternative livelihoods. Together, these activities will reinforce Uganda's inclusive refugee policy, as the country continues to host Africa's largest refugee population. As of August 2025, 1.9 million people have sought refuge in the country after fleeing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Sudan.
Ireland is a steadfast supporter of WFP in Uganda, with total contributions of EUR 18 million (USD 21 million) in the past five years.
