South Korea Boosts Karamoja Schools with Shs22.5 Billion Rice Donation Amidst Drought

South Korea has provided a significant boost to school feeding initiatives in Uganda’s Karamoja sub-region with a donation of 6,638 metric tons of rice. The contribution, valued at USD 6.1 million (Shs22.5 billion), is the largest single-year rice donation from Korea to the World Food Programme (WFP) in Uganda since their partnership began in 2018.

This vital assistance arrives at a critical juncture for Karamoja, a region grappling with its most severe food security crisis since 2018 due to failed rains and widespread crop losses. The rice will support over 200,000 learners, ensuring they receive at least one nutritious meal a day.

The Minister of State for Primary Education, Ms. Phyllis Chemutai, highlighted the critical role of school meals in maintaining student attendance, especially in areas affected by extreme weather and high poverty. She noted that Karamoja faces the highest child poverty rate in Uganda at 84 percent, with school meals being the primary source of nutrition for many children.

Ms. Wanja Kaaria, WFP Representative and Country Director in Uganda, emphasized the urgency of the donation, stating that in a year like this, the school meal is often the only nutritious meal a child will have. The rice donation is part of a larger school meal package that includes locally procured beans and vegetable oil, supporting WFP’s ‘Karamoja Feeds Karamoja’ initiative.

Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Uganda, H.E. Lee Sang-ho, drew parallels between Uganda’s current struggles and South Korea’s historical experience with poverty and food shortages, emphasizing his country’s commitment to sharing its progress. The Ministry of Education and Sports is also finalizing a National School Feeding Policy to ensure sustained support for school meals across the country.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/south-korea-donates-shs22-5b-rice-support-to-karamoja-schools-amid-drought-5616796