The European Union (EU) has injected an additional €4 million into Uganda’s refugee response, significantly strengthening cash-based support efforts spearheaded by the Uganda Cash Consortium (UCC).
The Consortium is led by the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) and the Lutheran World Federation (LWF). This was contained in a press statement issued by the EU, DRC, and LWF last week.
This latest funding brings the EU’s total contribution to the program to €17.2 million since its launch in 2023. The renewed support will enable UCC to continue providing multi-purpose cash assistance to vulnerable refugees and host community members across 13 refugee settlements, helping them meet essential needs such as food, rent, and healthcare.
Bruno Rotival, who heads the EU’s humanitarian programs in Uganda, emphasized the impact of the partnership.
“The EU’s collaboration with UCC and DRC has proven extremely effective. Cash transfers are a transparent, efficient form of aid that upholds dignity by giving recipients the freedom to decide what they need most, while also stimulating local markets.”
The new funds aim to support 36,394 individuals over the next six months, with cash delivered via mobile money or bank transfers.
Additionally, 15,565 children who are out of school or at risk of dropping out will receive education cash assistance until Term 1 of 2026.
Since 2023, EU funding has enabled UCC to assist 89,580 individuals through multi-purpose cash transfers and 28,625 children through emergency education support.
“This renewed funding is not just about meeting basic needs — it restores dignity, keeps children in school, and helps families rebuild,” said Samuele Otim Rizzo, DRC’s Country Director in Uganda.
Uganda continues to host over 1.8 million refugees, and humanitarian needs remain high. The ongoing support from the EU, in coordination with the Office of the Prime Minister, UNHCR, and other partners, ensures the continued delivery of critical services across settlements.
Refugees in Adjumani welcomed the news, with many describing the aid as timely. Abraham Makuol Manyok, RWC II for Mungula settlement, urged prioritization of the most vulnerable.
“About 75% of refugees have now been moved to category three, meaning they receive no assistance. Nearly 40% of school-aged children have dropped out due to a lack of fees.”
The UCC operates in several settlements across Uganda, including Kyaka II, Kyangwali, Rwamwanja, Nakivale, and Oruchinga in the southwest; Kiryandongo in the mid-west; Imvepi, Rhino Camp, Bidi Bidi, Lobule, and Palorinya in West Nile.
Others are Adjumani and Palabek in the north, covering much of Uganda’s refugee-hosting regions.
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