WFP gives cash to 62,000 refugees in West Nile

MADI-OKOLLO- About 62,000 refugees and host communities in West Nile Sub-region have received funds from World Food Programme (WFP) to support their nutritional needs.

The targeted groups are mainly expectant women and children under two years.

The project is being implemented under the ‘cash transfer’ programme and is funded by the Swedish government to a tune of $4 million (about Shs14.8b).

Every mother and her child received Shs96,000 for two months.
Initiative
Mr El Khidir Daloum, the WFP country director, on Tuesday said the money is in response to food and nutrition challenges exacerbated by Covid-19 lockdown which coincided with food ration cut.

“This money will not be given on a monthly basis as it is a one-off assistance to help them address the malnutrition cases as a result of the lockdown,” Mr Daloum said.

Earlier this year, WFP cut food rations by half due to the negative effects of the pandemic.

Mr Ben Adebo, the assistant settlement commandant for Rhino camp refugee settlement in Arua District, cautioned the beneficiaries against misusing the cash. “This money should not cause domestic violence between you and your husbands. Use it responsibly to have better nutrition,” he said.

Ms Anna Tabong, one of the refugees at Ocea settlement in Rhino Camp Sub-county, expressed joy upon receiving the assistance.

“Since the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic coupled with the reduction of our food ratios, life has been difficult in the last six months in my family. But with this package, I will be able to buy food to supplement the nutritional needs of my family,” she said.

Ms Roselyn Juru, another refugee, called for continuity of the project to save mothers and children from malnutrition.