Uganda is experiencing a nutritional crisis in its refugee reception centers, where thousands of refugees arrive daily desperately in need of food and medical care. 

UNICEF recently reported that the increase in refugee arrivals, particularly from Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Sudan, has vastly overwhelmed the available resources, particularly when it comes to addressing malnutrition. As high as 21.5% of the newly arrived refugees are malnourished.

By April 2025, over 90,000 refugees had arrived in Uganda—and the number has only risen. 

With funding cuts for global aid severely restricting operations, organizations are being forced to treat only those who are suffering from the most acute malnutrition. The World Food Programme reports that they have been forced to cut monthly food rations down to $4.90 USD per person for highly vulnerable refugees and $2.70 per person for moderately vulnerable refugees. 

These figures are truly shocking, since the USDA estimates that a single American male spends an average of $384.80 USD on groceries per month.

To truly comprehend the amount that a single refugee with acute malnutrition is given to subsist on per month, we created this series of graphics. The conclusion is obvious. This just isn’t enough to sustain life.  

All current food prices are as reported by the World Food Programme.

If you are moved by this devastating development in the Ugandan refugee transit centers, you CAN make a difference. Our teams are working tirelessly to welcome incoming refugees to Uganda, provide them with excellent medical care, supply those who are malnourished with emergency nutrition, and help them transition into the country with their health and dignity intact.

To make a gift in support of refugee healthcare, click below.