Refugees in Uganda are facing increasing hunger and some are considering returning to their home countries as funding shortages force the World Food Programme (WFP) to cut rations for the third time in as many years. Rose Mary Kute, a resident of Bidi Bidi refugee settlement, says she plans to go back to South Sudan because of a lack of services in the camp. (Sophie Neiman, Novemeber 2022)
Florina Akwero, 31, was already struggling to feed her five children, but now she has to care for three more relatives who left South Sudan after a recent neighbourhood dispute. “The food I have is not enough, and I don’t know how I will take care of these kids,” Akwero said. (Sophie Neiman, November 2022)
In the past, refugees also could trade part of food given by WFP to vary their diets, or sell it buy other essential items. This is not possible now that rations have been reduced. “It is very hard for them to get something to support themselves,” Esther Sabili, a women’s leader in the camp, said of her fellow refugees. (Sophie Neiman, November, 2022)
Rufus Bidali has been travelling back and forth between South Sudan and Uganda for the past year in order to supplement food rations with farming. He said rebels stole most of the crops he recently managed to harvest back home. “You just live in fear,” he said, of returning to South Sudan. “At night, you do not sleep well.” (Sophie Neiman, November 2022)
Margaret Mauridiyo, 25, is responsible for supporting her family of eight. When food rations run out, she sells alcohol brewed from fermented sorghum, and ventures out of Bidi Bidi to collect firewood. One bundle is worth less than a dollar, but it brings in an additional meal for her family. (Sophie Neiman, November 2022)
Isaac Anguba is the assistant head teacher of Bidi Bidi’s Rockland Primary School. He said hunger is making it harder for children to attend school and focus in class. 440 students had dropped out of his school this year, and those who do attend mostly turn up at exam time, or leave before the day is finished to look for food. (Sophie Neiman, November 2022)
Women smoke shisha and relax in the twilight at Bidi Bidi refugee settlement. (Sophie Neiman, November 2022)
Women wash clothes together in a stream at Bidi Bidi refugee settlement. (Sophie Neiman, November 2022)