Republic of Korea contributes rice to serve 420,000 refugees in Uganda
TORORO, UGANDA – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today welcomed a contribution of 5,000 metric tons of rice from the Government of the Republic of Korea. The contribution will enable WFP to meet the minimum food needs of 420,000 refugees in seven settlements in Uganda for the entire month of August.
“WFP is extremely grateful to the Republic of Korea for its first ever contribution to our humanitarian work among refugees in Uganda,” said WFP Country Director El-Khidir Daloum, as he received the contribution at the WFP warehouse in Tororo, in eastern Uganda. “The Republic of Korea is a valued partner in our efforts to address hunger and malnutrition in support of Uganda’s refugee policy.”
The South Korean Ambassador to Uganda, His Excellency Kim You-churl, stated that ending hunger was a priority of the Government and people of Korea.
“This contribution comes from the hearts of the Korean people to refugees fleeing conflict in South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and other hotspots in the region,” said Ambassador Kim You-churl. “Our government believes that providing food assistance is the first step in enabling refugees to restart their lives and embark on a journey toward self-reliance.”
WFP will distribute the rice in the settlements of Nakivale, Kyangwali, Kyaka II, Oruchinga, Palabek, Imvepi and Rwamwanja as part of its monthly food distributions. The rice received will replace maize in the regular food assistance provided in August and help to diversify the diets of refugees.
WFP has recently introduced biometric verification systems in its Uganda refugee operation to confirm the identity of beneficiaries at distribution points. Along with monthly food assistance and cash transfers, WFP treats acute malnutrition and works to prevent it during a child’s first 1,000 days. WFP also supports livelihoods among refugees and host communities in line with the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework .
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