President Museveni wants refugees to farm instead of just receiving aid packages. He met with World Food Programme officials at State House to discuss how refugees can grow their food and make money. Uganda hosts nearly two million refugees from neighboring countries. According to the president, these settlements take up lots of space but aren't organized well for efficient farming.
The president suggested creating compact refugee villages that would free up land for large-scale agriculture. He pointed to Nakivale Settlement, which covers 71 square miles, as an example of land that could produce plenty of crops with proper planning. Museveni explained that many refugees share ethnic ties with Ugandans because colonial borders split related groups. WFP leader Cindy McCain praised Uganda's welcoming approach toward displaced people.
McCain promised to tell donors about Uganda's plans for self-reliant refugee communities. She called Uganda a model for handling refugee resettlement with compassion. The WFP Country Director Marcus Prior mentioned that his team finds creative solutions despite limited resources. He thanked the government for its generous refugee policies. The meeting included several other WFP officials who discussed ongoing partnership plans.
The president suggested creating compact refugee villages that would free up land for large-scale agriculture. He pointed to Nakivale Settlement, which covers 71 square miles, as an example of land that could produce plenty of crops with proper planning. Museveni explained that many refugees share ethnic ties with Ugandans because colonial borders split related groups. WFP leader Cindy McCain praised Uganda's welcoming approach toward displaced people.
McCain promised to tell donors about Uganda's plans for self-reliant refugee communities. She called Uganda a model for handling refugee resettlement with compassion. The WFP Country Director Marcus Prior mentioned that his team finds creative solutions despite limited resources. He thanked the government for its generous refugee policies. The meeting included several other WFP officials who discussed ongoing partnership plans.
