Innovating today for self-reliant refugee and host communities

What the report says

In a commentary published by The Independent Uganda on October 16, 2026, World Vision Uganda National Director Jeremiah Nyagah argues that refugee assistance in Uganda should move beyond short-term food support toward long-term self-reliance. The piece is tied to World Food Day 2026 and says the theme, “Innovate today. Nourish tomorrow,” is especially relevant for refugee and host communities facing food insecurity, limited livelihoods and pressure on humanitarian resources.

Nyagah says that while food aid remains important for the most vulnerable households, other families need pathways to earn income, improve resilience and reduce dependence on general food assistance. The article highlights the World Food Programme’s Self-Reliance Model, introduced in 2023 with partners including World Vision, as one example of this approach. It is described as supporting moderately vulnerable refugees through social empowerment, livelihood diversification, digital financial inclusion and stronger coordination.

The commentary points to districts such as Yumbe, Koboko and Madi Okollo, where refugee settlements including Bidibidi, Lobule and Rhino Camp are located, as places where such efforts matter most. It also cites World Vision Uganda’s 2025 annual report, which records support for farmland, savings groups and businesses. More broadly, the author calls for climate-smart farming, digital tools, savings-linked finance, better market access and stronger partnerships among government, aid agencies, private actors and communities.

The article’s central message is that food security should be measured not only by harvests, but also by whether families can reliably feed children, pay school costs and withstand future shocks.