WFP welcomes Ireland’s funding contribution towards support for self-reliance and social protection initiatives in Uganda

“Ireland's partnership with Uganda is about reaching the furthest behind first. This contribution reflects our commitment to strengthening human capital, building resilience and supporting inclusive development in Uganda. By investing in social protection and self-reliance initiatives, we are helping children stay in school, supporting households to withstand shocks, and building sustainable livelihoods. We are proud to partner with WFP and the Government of Uganda to advance solutions that deliver long-term resilience,” said H.E. Mags Gaynor, Ambassador of Ireland to Uganda.

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.

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.

“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. That is how we achieve meaningful community transformation over time,” said Wanja Kaaria, WFP Representative and Country Director in Uganda.

Uganda hosts more than two million refugees, the largest number in Africa, but funding shortages in 2025 forced WFP to reduce the number receiving food assistance from 1.6 million to 663,000, a figure that has since risen to 784,000 in 2026. Ireland's funding will help refugees and host communities gain financial literacy, business planning and vocational skills, strengthen their savings groups and help them start small businesses. The aim is to transition families towards self-reliance.

Ireland is a long-standing partner of WFP in Uganda and chairs the Karamoja Development Partners Group.

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The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organisation, 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 weather extremes.

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