The Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) has launched a food donation initiative to support over 600 Sudanese refugee families, predominantly Muslim, currently residing in the Kiryandongo refugee settlement. The donation, flagged off on Thursday afternoon at the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council headquarters in Old Kampala, aims to provide essential relief to vulnerable families during the holy month of Ramadan.

The event was attended by Irene Nakasiita, URCS Director for Communications, Resource Mobilization, and Partnerships, and Sheikh Shaban Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda. Nakasiita explained that the donation was made possible through the support of the Qatar Red Crescent Society, a key partner of the URCS. “This is a generous donation by our partner, the Qatar Red Crescent Society, through the Uganda Red Cross Society, to the vulnerable communities of Kiryandongo refugee settlement. We are targeting vulnerable Muslims who are fasting and unable to sustain themselves during this holy month of Ramadan,” she said.

Nakasiita emphasized that the URCS often collaborates with various organizations to support Muslim communities during Ramadan, a time when many families struggle to meet their basic needs. The donation includes essential food items that will help refugees break their fasts and sustain themselves throughout the month.

The Kiryandongo refugee settlement has seen a significant influx of Sudanese refugees following the devastating war in Sudan, which has displaced nearly three million people. Among the thousands seeking refuge in Uganda, the majority are women and children, many of whom have fled with little more than the clothes on their backs. The ongoing conflict has left countless families in dire need of food, shelter, and other basic necessities.

Sheikh Shaban Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda, expressed deep gratitude to the Uganda Red Cross Society and its partners for their timely intervention. “We are grateful to the Uganda Red Cross Society and thank them for their collaboration with the Red Crescent. It is good to see a cross and a crescent working together, especially during this holy month of Ramadan. This consignment has come at a time when our brothers and sisters are fasting and are in dire need of food to break their fast,” he said.

The Mufti also called on the URCS to continue its efforts to support vulnerable communities, including refugees. He noted that such acts of kindness are deeply valued and that those who extend help to those in need will be rewarded abundantly. His words underscored the importance of solidarity and compassion, especially during challenging times.

The food donation initiative is part of broader efforts by the URCS and its partners to address the urgent needs of refugees in Uganda. The organization has been at the forefront of humanitarian response, providing essential services such as healthcare, water, sanitation, and psychosocial support to displaced populations. This latest effort reflects the URCS’s commitment to alleviating suffering and promoting dignity among vulnerable communities.

The collaboration between the Uganda Red Cross Society and the Qatar Red Crescent Society highlights the power of partnerships in addressing complex humanitarian challenges. By pooling resources and expertise, the two organizations have been able to deliver timely and impactful assistance to those in need.

As the refugees in Kiryandongo receive this much-needed support, the donation serves as a reminder of the importance of collective action in times of crisis. It also underscores the role of faith-based organizations and humanitarian agencies in fostering resilience and hope among displaced populations.

The Uganda Red Cross Society has pledged to continue monitoring the situation in Kiryandongo and other refugee settlements to ensure that the needs of vulnerable communities are met. The organization remains committed to working with local and international partners to provide sustainable solutions and improve the quality of life for refugees.

For the Sudanese refugees in Kiryandongo, the food donation is more than just a gesture of goodwill; it is a lifeline that offers hope and sustenance during a time of great uncertainty. As they observe Ramadan under challenging circumstances, the support from the URCS and its partners serves as a beacon of solidarity and compassion, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggle.

The initiative also highlights the resilience and generosity of the Ugandan people, who have consistently opened their doors to refugees fleeing conflict and persecution. As the world continues to grapple with displacement and humanitarian crises, the efforts of organizations like the Uganda Red Cross Society and the Qatar Red Crescent Society offer a powerful example of what can be achieved through collaboration and shared humanity.