🔊 West Nile climate resilience project targets 30,000 farmers

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Over 30,000 refugees and host community smallholder farmers in the West Nile region are set to benefit from the Uganda Refugee Resilience Initiative (URRI), a four-year programme funded by the Embassy of Denmark.

URRI aims to strengthen the resilience of both refugees and host communities through interventions in climate-smart agriculture, ecosystem restoration, and gender equality.

The programme will be implemented in six refugee-hosting districts: Yumbe, Moyo, Obongi, Koboko, Terego, and Madi Okollo.

Launched in 2024, the initiative is scheduled to run until 2028 and is being implemented by the Danish Refugee Council, in partnership with DanChurchAid, CEFORD, PALM Corps, Partners in Development, and the Centre for Holistic Transformation (PICOT).

Dominic Iranya Eruaga, the area manager for the Danish Refugee Council in West Nile, said the project aligns with Uganda’s National Development Plan (NDP IV), the Settlement Transformation Agenda, and supports Uganda’s progressive refugee policy under the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF).

Samuele Otim Rizzo, country director of the Danish Refugee Council, said the project focuses on placing beneficiaries at the centre in order to realise success.

Anne Sofie Oxlund, Political Counsellor for Denmark, praised the West Nile region for its hospitality and generosity in hosting refugees despite limited resources.

Jena Toma, deputy refugee desk officer in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) for West Nile, said the increasing threat of climate change and its associated challenges necessitate a timely response to foster inclusive and sustainable development.

Yumbe district chief administrative officer, Moses Chuna Kapoloni, said over 70% of natural vegetation in refugee settlements has been degraded, causing serious climatic impacts such as prolonged dry spells.