Uganda is facing a significant refugee crisis, hosting over 1.9 million refugees—the largest number in Africa and the sixth largest globally. In the 13 refugee settlements assessed, as well as in Kampala, approximately 712,000 people (37 percent of the analysed population) are expected to be experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity between August 2025 and February 2026. This includes 16,000 people in IPC Phase 4 (Emergency) and 696,000 people in IPC Phase 3 (Crisis).

This marks a notable improvement compared to the previous period (June–July 2025), when 920,000 people (48 percent of the analysed population) were facing high levels of acute food insecurity. The anticipated improvement is largely attributed to expected increases in crop yields from enhanced agricultural production. In addition, food prices are forecasted to decline with higher production, improving household food availability and access.

The refugee situation is driven primarily by conflicts and instability in neighbouring countries, with arrivals coming mainly from South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and other countries. While Uganda’s progressive policies grant refugees access to land, education, and work, these systems are under significant strain due to the scale of new arrivals. Compounding factors such as insufficient funding, natural hazards, disease outbreaks, and climate change affect the country’s capacity to provide adequate support.

• Provide food and livelihood assistance to populations in IPC Phase 3 (Crisis) and IPC Phase 4 (Emergency), including refugees and host communities. Prioritise actions that protect lives and restore livelihoods, while ensuring improved financing for refugee response. Support must integrate food, cash, and livelihood interventions to stabilise households and build resilience to recurrent climatic and economic shocks.

• Improve coverage of safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in both refugee and host settings to prevent malnutrition and disease. Strengthen social protection systems that safeguard nutrition and food security, particularly for vulnerable groups. Integrating anticipatory actions for outbreaks with sustained WASH access and social protection will address underlying drivers of acute malnutrition and food insecurity across Uganda’s national and refugee populations.

• Invest in water for production, climate-smart agriculture, and post-harvest management to protect food stocks and reduce losses. Enhance agricultural extension services and establish comprehensive livestock disease and vector control measures. These investments should strengthen resilience for both national and refugee-hosting areas, reducing vulnerability to droughts, floods, and pest infestations, and enabling households to better withstand and recover from shocks.