Govt Renews Five-Year GiveDirectly Deal to Expand Cash Support for Vulnerable Communities

What the report says

The Ugandan government has renewed a five-year partnership with international non-profit GiveDirectly to continue direct cash transfers to vulnerable households, refugees and communities affected by disasters. The memorandum of understanding was signed at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kampala by Permanent Secretary Alex Kakooza and GiveDirectly Vice President Stella Luk, and the ceremony was witnessed by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Deputy Prime Minister Crispus Kiyonga and Disaster Preparedness Minister Sam Engola.

According to the report, GiveDirectly has worked in Uganda since 2015 and says it has delivered about $98 million, or roughly Shs392 billion, in cash support over that period. The organisation’s work has reached areas including Karamoja, disaster-hit communities around Mt Elgon, and refugee settlements in Kiryandongo and Nakivale. The renewed agreement is meant to expand coverage, improve targeting and strengthen coordination with government and local communities.

Nabbanja said the government was extending the partnership because it had produced visible results, with families using the money to rebuild homes, start businesses, pay school fees and recover after crises. Kakooza said the renewed framework is intended to make assistance more timely and accountable, while Luk said GiveDirectly remains committed to Uganda and to the idea that households should decide how best to meet their immediate needs. In broader context, direct cash aid is widely used in humanitarian and poverty-reduction programs because it gives recipients flexibility and can be faster to deliver than in-kind assistance.