Ireland backs WFP initiatives for self-reliance and social protection in Uganda

The World Food Programme (WFP) in Uganda has welcomed a EUR 4.5 million contribution from the Government of Ireland to support more than 221,000 school children and 108,000 smallholder farmers in drought-hit Karamoja, as well as to help 19,200 refugees and host communities transition to self-reliance, according to a press release. The funding will also strengthen social protection systems that deliver regular cash payments to 5,100 mothers, young children and older people in Karamoja. The announcement was made on 30 September 2026 in Kampala. Ireland is a long-standing partner of WFP in Uganda and chairs the Karamoja Development Partners Group. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to resilience and inclusive development.

In 2026, a prolonged drought has impacted food and livestock production across Karamoja, affecting over 673,000 people. Between August 2026 and February 2027, 352,000 people — close to one in four — are expected to face crisis levels of hunger. Uganda hosts more than two million refugees, the largest number in Africa. Funding shortages in 2025 forced WFP to reduce the number of refugees receiving food assistance from 1.6 million to 663,000. That figure has since risen to 784,000 in 2026.

With this contribution, WFP will provide daily meals in 284 Karamoja schools. WFP will also continue to support the Ministry of Education and Sports in completing Uganda’s first national school feeding policy. The Irish funding is designed to help children stay in school and enable households to withstand shocks. It further supports the development of sustainable livelihoods across targeted communities. The initiative links humanitarian response with longer-term policy frameworks.

Ireland’s funding will also help refugees and host communities gain financial literacy, business planning and vocational skills. It will strengthen their savings groups and help them start small businesses. The aim is to transition families toward self-reliance.

“Ireland’s partnership with Uganda is about reaching the furthest behind first,” said H.E. Mags Gaynor, Ambassador of Ireland to Uganda.

She added that the contribution reflects Ireland’s commitment to strengthening human capital, building resilience and supporting inclusive development in Uganda.

Wanja Kaaria, WFP Representative and Country Director in Uganda, highlighted the long-term vision behind the partnership.

“Ireland is investing in lasting solutions: a solid and sustainable school meals programme in Uganda that is built on strong policy frameworks and supported by local farmers,” she said.

She noted that this approach drives meaningful community transformation over time. The contribution ties emergency assistance to durable policy and livelihood systems. It consolidates Ireland’s role as a key partner advancing resilience in Uganda.