Republic of Korea provides additional support for refugees in Uganda
KAMPALA – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Uganda has welcomed a contribution of 3,000 metric tons of rice worth US$2.8 million from the Republic of Korea to support the food needs of around 332,000 refugees, asylum seekers and children from refugee communities. Since 2021, WFP in Uganda has received 13,492 MT of rice from the Republic of Korea.
The number of refugees in Uganda has almost tripled in the past ten years from over 600,000 in 2014 to 1.7 million in 2024. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) estimates that around 2,500 people arrive in Uganda every week, primarily driven by ongoing conflicts and climate shocks in neighbouring countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan and more recently Sudan.
“The rising number of refugees in Uganda is straining already limited humanitarian resources," said Abdirahman Meygag, WFP's country director in Uganda. "This generous contribution from the Republic of Korea will enable WFP to continue supporting the food needs of thousands of refugee families who are living through protracted crises as well as those recently forced from their homes.”
The growth in refugee numbers has not been matched by a growth in resources, forcing WFP to make difficult decisions about who receives food assistance and who goes without. Today, the most vulnerable refugees in Uganda receive 60 per cent of a full ration (equivalent to 2,100 kilocalories), the moderately vulnerable receive 30 per cent rations, and thousands of others and surrounding host communities are assisted with livelihood strengthening activities which support a transition to self-reliance. All new arrivals receive a 100 per cent food rations for the first three months.
“We aim to reach new refugees in reception and transit centers because the time right after fleeing crisis is of extreme difficulty and vulnerability,” H.E. Park Sung-soo, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Uganda said. “This contribution is in line with Korea’s commitment to provide humanitarian support to Uganda at a time when the region is facing an influx of refugees and multiple crises.”
WFP supports 1.4 million refugees in Uganda with food, cash and nutrition support. This contribution will enable WFP to support 90,400 refugees and asylum seekers (including hot meals for new arrivals) and 241,442 school children with daily hot meals.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of WFP’s initial assistance to the Republic of Korea and the 40th anniversary of the country’s graduation from WFP’s support. Between 1964 and 1984, WFP's food assistance played a crucial role in the development of the Republic of Korea, which was recovering from the devastating effects of the Korean war in 1950s and the massive floods in 1963. Today, the Republic of Korea is one of WFP’s top 10 donors with contributions delivered to the most vulnerable people all around the world.
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The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change.
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