Approximately 797,000 people in refugee-hosting districts in Uganda are facing high levels of acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above), representing 17 percent of the population analysed. Of the 12 districts analysed, four were classified in IPC Phase 3 (Crisis), while the remaining eight were classified in IPC Phase 2 (Stressed). 

The situation shows improvement compared to the same period in the previous year (August 2023 – January 2024), when six districts were classified in Phase 3, and the total number of food-insecure individuals decreased from 846,000 to 797,000. Adjumani and Kyegegwa districts transitioned from Phase 3 to Phase 2, reflecting better conditions. However, challenges persist due to poor rainfall performance, prolonged dry spells, rising food prices, low purchasing power, crop and livestock pests and diseases, and conflicts between host communities and refugees. These factors have driven many refugeehosting communities into high levels of acute food insecurity.

The projection period (February to June 2025) will coincide with the dry season and lean period in all 12 districts analysed. Without timely interventions, the acute food insecurity situation is expected to gradually deteriorate from March 2025 to the end of the projection period, with the number of people in Phase 3 or above increasing from 797,000 people (17 percent of the analysed population) to 953,000 people (21 percent of the analysed population).

• Urgently provide food and livelihood assistance to the populations in IPC Phase 3 (Crisis) to save lives and livelihoods.
• Since the projection period is expected to worsen, there is need to adequately plan for food support to households who will be in direct need of food during that period.
• Provide farmers with relevant skills and technologies in water harvesting and irrigation to be able to do dry season farming.
• Strengthen agricultural extension service delivery to be able to equip farmers with timely early warning information and knowledge on climate smart agriculture practices.
• Strengthen social protection systems for nutrition and food security.
• The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), and local governments should enforce acts and byelaws regulating wildlife and livestock movement to mitigate conflicts arising from crop losses caused by wild animals from national parks and livestock from farmers.
• Creation of peace agreement between the host communities and the refugees to reduce on the conflicts over land and other resources.
• Strengthen the livestock and crop pests and disease surveillance, control and management mechanisms to manage the high incidences expected.