The World Food Programme (WFP) has announced drastic cuts to food aid for refugees in Uganda and South Sudan, citing critical funding shortages. The reductions threaten to push millions of vulnerable people into severe hunger.
Funding Crisis Forces Ration Cuts
According to the WFP, the organisation has been forced to reduce food rations by up to 50% in Uganda and 40% in South Sudan. This comes as donor contributions fail to keep pace with rising needs in the region.
"We are facing the terrible prospect of cutting food rations for refugees when they need it most," said a WFP spokesperson. "Without urgent funding, millions will go hungry."
Humanitarian Catastrophe Looms
The cuts affect:
- Over 1.3 million refugees in Uganda
- Nearly 1 million displaced people in South Sudan
- Vulnerable host communities in both countries
Health experts warn that malnutrition rates, particularly among children, could skyrocket as a result of the reduced aid. The World Health Organization has expressed "grave concern" about the potential health consequences.
Appeal for Immediate Action
The WFP has issued an urgent appeal for $426 million to maintain full rations through December. Without this funding:
- Refugee families will receive less than 1,000 calories per day
- Essential nutrition programmes will be suspended
- School feeding initiatives may be cancelled
Humanitarian agencies are calling on the international community to step up support before the situation becomes catastrophic.
