Uganda has been commended for its humanitarian leadership, with the Acting Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), Carl Skau, praising the country's efforts in hosting refugees, responding to regional health emergencies, and preparing for climate-related disasters.

Following a meeting with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Skau said Uganda continues to set an example through its commitment to protecting vulnerable populations despite growing humanitarian pressures.

"Pleasure meeting H.E. President @KagutaMuseveni. Uganda shows humanitarian leadership, hosting nearly 2 million refugees, supporting the regional Ebola response & preparing for #ElNiño. @WFP is proud to support government efforts to strengthen resilience and act ahead of crisis," Skau said in a statement.

Uganda hosts one of the largest refugee populations in the world, providing sanctuary to people fleeing conflict and instability in neighboring countries, including South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sudan. The country's refugee policy, which allows refugees access to land, education, healthcare, and livelihoods, has been widely recognized by international partners.

Skau also acknowledged Uganda's role in supporting regional efforts to contain Ebola outbreaks and its proactive preparations for the anticipated impacts of the El Niño weather phenomenon, which is expected to increase the risk of flooding, displacement, and food insecurity in parts of East Africa.

The World Food Programme said it remains committed to working closely with the Government of Uganda to strengthen resilience, improve disaster preparedness, and provide timely humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities before crises escalate.

The meeting reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between Uganda and the WFP in addressing humanitarian challenges through emergency food assistance, refugee support, and resilience-building programmes aimed at reducing vulnerability to future shocks.