Japan commits over sh22b to boost refugee food security, storage facilities
Despite the urgent need for sustainable livelihoods, refugees and surrounding host communities continue to face major challenges in accessing adequate food for nutrition and income generation.
The project coordinator of Peace Winds Japan (PWJ), Megumi Kubo, the country representative of PWJ Dr Inoue Keiko and the Ambassador of Japan to Uganda, Takuya Sasayama at the grand signing (Photo by Isaac Nuwagaba)
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Japan has committed over sh22b to strengthen refugee food security and storage facilities in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, targeting more than 130,000 refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo in Isingiro district, western Uganda.
Despite the urgent need for sustainable livelihoods, refugees and surrounding host communities continue to face major challenges in accessing adequate food for nutrition and income generation.
The Ambassador of Japan to Uganda, Takuya Sasayama, while handing over the grant to Japanese non-governmental organisation Peace Winds Japan (PWJ), said the funding is intended to enhance self-reliance and food security among refugees and host communities.
(L-R): The project coordinator of PWJ, Megumi Kubo, the country representative Dr Inoue Keiko (speaking) and the ambassador of Japan to Uganda, Takuya Sasayama at the grand signing (Photo by Isaac Nuwagaba)
He added that the project will establish a physical and organisational hub to improve food security through agriculture and enhance livelihoods in the settlement.
Speaking to journalists at the Embassy of Japan at Kyadondo Road, Nakasero, Kampala, on Monday (June 15), Sasayama said the support builds on previous assistance, including over 2,000 metric tons of rice worth $2.2m provided to newly arriving refugees in Uganda.
“Japan has been a long-standing development partner for Uganda, providing support in various sectors, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure. This grant demonstrates Japan's commitment to supporting Uganda's development agenda,” he said.
He added that Japan’s development cooperation with Uganda is guided by human security, inclusiveness and sustainability, noting that the country is injecting over sh22b ($600,000) into the refugee project.
The grant contract signing was witnessed by PWJ project coordinator Megumi Kubo and country representative Dr Inoue Keiko, with implementation expected to run for one year.
“We have been channelling funds through agencies like the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and UN-Habitat targeting vulnerable communities, including refugees and host areas, to build environmental resilience,” Keiko said.
She added that Japan’s grassroots recycling projects have also supported communities through the provision of second-hand Japanese vehicles, including ambulances and fire trucks.
“Through the grassroots recycle projects, we have been providing second-hand Japanese vehicles such as six second-hand ambulances and 7 fire trucks to support local communities in overcoming their current challenges,” he revealed.
Sasayama further noted that Japan has continued to support Uganda through various development programmes, including start-up ecosystem strengthening and infrastructure projects.