The World Food Programme (WFP) facilitated the handover of 1,610 metric tonnes of rice from the People’s Republic of China to Uganda’s Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) in a ceremony held in Kampala. This significant donation aims to alleviate food insecurity, particularly in the Karamoja region, where climate change and economic hardships have left communities vulnerable.
Uganda faces mounting challenges, including recurring climate shocks such as prolonged dry spells, floods, and mudslides. These factors have significantly impacted agricultural productivity, particularly in Karamoja, where all nine districts were classified as food insecure as of April 2024. Approximately 45% of the region’s 1.3 million people face high levels of acute food insecurity, which is exacerbated by poor harvests and low human development indicators.
“As Uganda aligns with its Vision 2040 to build resilience and human capital, this donation provides immediate relief and supports the country’s long-term development goals. The rice will benefit approximately 67,000 people across Karamoja’s nine districts, targeting vulnerable groups, including single mothers, climate-affected households, and schoolchildren,” said Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja in her speech read by Minister state for Karamoja affairs Florance Namboozo.
“China is proud to stand with Uganda in its fight against hunger and food insecurity. This donation of 1,610 metric tonnes is a symbol of our long-standing friendship and strong solidarity, as well as our continued support for Uganda’s development goals,” said H.E. Mr. Zhang Lizhong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Uganda.
Through WFP’s school feeding program, which currently serves over 255,000 learners in 320 schools, the donation will enhance nutrition and education outcomes. “We are extremely pleased to coordinate this generous support from China, which will make a tangible difference. This initiative highlights the robust partnership among WFP, the Ugandan government, and China, which has contributed $9 million to WFP’s programs in Uganda over the past seven years,” said WFP Country Director Marcus Prior.
Today, the WFP in Uganda supports over 2 million people, including 1.6 million refugees, promoting resilience through innovative agricultural support for smallholder farmers. WFP remains committed to strengthening local food systems and empowering communities to achieve a hunger-free future.
