President Museveni and WFP Chart a Path for Refugee Self-Reliance Through Agriculture

In a pivotal meeting at State House in Entebbe, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni called for a transformative shift in Uganda’s approach to supporting its refugee population. He advocated for sustainable agricultural solutions instead of traditional humanitarian aid. Joined by officials from the World Food Programme (WFP), the discussions focused on reorganizing refugee settlements to maximize land use and promote economic independence through large-scale farming.

Uganda, one of the world’s leading refugee-hosting nations, currently shelters over 1.8 million displaced individuals, primarily from South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burundi. President Museveni pointed out the inefficiencies of expansive refugee settlements, where scattered shelters impede productive land use. “The challenge is that most refugee settlements are spread out inefficiently, with vast areas occupied by makeshift shelters,” he said. “This hinders large-scale farming and economic activity.”

Proposing a bold restructuring, Museveni suggested creating compact, planned communities, similar to small campuses or villages, which would free up land for collective agriculture. He cited Nakivale Refugee Settlement, which spans 71 square miles, as a prime example of untapped potential. “With proper planning and investment, such land could be transformed into productive farmland that supports both refugees and host communities,” he noted. This approach, he argued, would allow refugees to grow their own food, generate surplus for sale, and reduce dependency on aid.

Museveni’s vision aligns with Uganda’s longstanding hospitality toward refugees, anchored in a Pan-African philosophy. “These people are not foreigners in the real sense,” he stated. “Many share ethnic and cultural ties with Ugandans. Our borders are artificial, drawn by colonialists. When they come here, we treat them as our own.”

WFP officials, led by Executive Director Cindy McCain, welcomed Museveni’s proposals and emphasized Uganda’s fertile land and agricultural potential. “The land here is very large and fertile,” McCain said. “As WFP, we are confident in your proposal to create agricultural opportunities.” She highlighted the potential for these initiatives to make refugee communities self-reliant, a message she pledged to convey to global donors. McCain also praised Uganda’s progressive refugee policies, describing the country as a global model. “We are impressed with how Uganda has boldly handled refugee resettlement,” she remarked. “Your government has opened its doors, showcasing your commitment to humanity and regional stability.”

Marcus Prior, WFP Country Director in Uganda, echoed McCain’s praise, commending the government’s collaboration, particularly with the Office of the Prime Minister under Hon. Eng. Hilary Onek. “We have an excellent working relationship, and that collaboration is key to our progress,” Prior stated. He also emphasized his team’s innovative approaches to resource efficiency, which ensure sustainable support for refugees. “We commend you for giving refugees a chance to rebuild their lives,” he told Museveni. “WFP will continue to explore every sustainable avenue to ensure they thrive with dignity.”

The meeting underscored a shared commitment to moving beyond emergency aid toward empowerment. As McCain noted, “We must support efforts that empower people rather than merely withdrawing aid.” With Uganda’s leadership and WFP’s partnership, the proposed agricultural reforms could redefine refugee support, fostering not just survival but also thriving communities that contribute to the nation’s economy.

The discussions, attended by WFP’s Deputy Regional Director Rukia Yacoub, Chief of Staff Meghan Latcovich, and other senior officials, signal a promising step toward sustainable refugee integration. As Uganda continues to set a global standard, the world watches and learns from its compassionate and forward-thinking approach.