U.S contributes $40m to help Uganda refugee population.

The U.S government has contributed 40 M $ to help Uganda support the increasing refugee population.

This emergency humanitarian aid, provided by the U.S. Agency for International Development, has been extended to the world food program WFP to help provide more than 44,000 metric tons of food assistance to those fleeing increased conflict and the deteriorating security situation in South Sudan.

The U.S. contribution will help assist WFP’s protracted relief and recovery operations in affected areas.

The U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, Deborah Malac, said this support highlights the U.S. Government’s commitment to addressing the humanitarian food and nutrition needs among refugees in Uganda, adding that it will also benefit Ugandan farmers, as part of this contribution will be used to purchase food from local markets.

The Ambassador also encourage international donors to provide more humanitarian support to ensure these most vulnerable populations receive much-needed food and nutrition assistance.

Since July 1, 2016, more than 399,000 refugees and asylum seekers have arrived in Uganda which has placed a significant burden on relief agencies and Ugandan authorities managing reception centers and existing refugee settlements.

Written by David Kugonza