The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) has announced a drastic cut in food aid for one million refugees in Uganda due to severe funding shortages, a move that is expected to significantly worsen the humanitarian situation in the West Nile region.In a statement released Tuesday on its social media platforms, the WFP said it urgently requires 50 million U.S. dollars to restore critical food support for refugees and asylum seekers across the country. “Due to severe funding shortages, WFP Uganda has cut 1 million refugees entirely off from food assistance,” the agency stated, warning of rising malnutrition rates in refugee reception centers, now exceeding 15 percent.
This funding gap has led to a full suspension of food rations for a significant portion of Uganda’s refugee population, which currently stands at over 1.8 million, including 60,000 new arrivals in the past three months, mostly from the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Sudan.West Nile Region Severely Affected
The West Nile sub-region, which hosts some of the largest refugee settlements in Uganda—such as Rhino Camp, Imvepi, and Bidi Bidi—is among the most severely affected. These camps are home to hundreds of thousands of refugees who rely almost entirely on WFP assistance for their survival.Local leaders and humanitarian agencies operating in the region have expressed concern over the looming crisis. “The cut in food aid is already being felt,” said a community leader in Terego district.
“Families are going to bed hungry, children are dropping out of school, and desperation is rising.”Previously, refugee families received monthly food rations either in-kind or in cash, depending on their vulnerability. However, since March, WFP had already reduced these rations, with new arrivals getting only 60% of the standard amount, and moderately vulnerable households receiving just 22%.Rising Social and Economic TensionsThe ripple effects are being felt beyond refugee communities.
Host communities in West Nile, already burdened by limited resources, are witnessing increasing pressure on food, health, and education services. There are growing fears that the situation could lead to tensions between host and refugee populations if not addressed urgently.Humanitarian experts are urging the international community to respond swiftly. “This is not just about food—it’s about security, stability, and dignity for millions,” said a spokesperson from a local NGO in Arua. “Without immediate funding, we risk a humanitarian disaster in West Nile and beyond.”Call for ActionAs Uganda continues to uphold its open-door policy for refugees, the current crisis highlights the fragility of donor-dependent relief programs. The WFP has called on international partners, governments, and private donors to step in and fill the funding gap to avert further suffering.Without urgent intervention, the most vulnerable—including children, pregnant women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities—stand to bear the brunt of this crisis.
