Kampala, Uganda — April 22, 2026 In the heart of Uganda’s Kyangwali Refugee Settlement, a silent revolution is unfolding. Amidst the challenges of a growing refugee crisis, Mombasa Primary School stands as a beacon of hope, where the simple act of serving a bowl of porridge is transforming the lives of children and securing their futures.
The school feeding program, a lifeline for over 1. 8 million refugees in Uganda, is more than just a meal—it’s an investment in education. Students like Ezekiel Alfay, the head prefect at Mombasa Primary School, are able to concentrate and aspire for a future free from the shadow of hunger. “.
This school feeding program helps us study well and work toward the future we want, “Ezekiel explains, pointing to the maize they’ve grown themselves, the result of their own toil and effort.
The crisis of funding cuts has deepened the plight of the refugees, with rations ending and monthly cash transfers dwindling to a mere $3 per person. Ayesiga Geoffrey, head teacher at Maratatu Primary School, remembers the days when learners would leave school to search for food and never return. “By afternoon, some would leave in search of food and never return to class, “Geoffrey recalls.
But the situation is changing. Through innovative projects like the Biogas for Agriculture and Nutrition in Schools (BANS) program, schools are not only providing meals but also fostering sustainability.
The program, led by CARE Uganda with partners, uses biogas digesters to convert kitchen waste into clean cooking fuel, while the nutrient — rich bio-slurry serves as organic fertilizer for the school gardens. Kaahwa Zurufah, a former head teacher at Mombasa, attests to the program’s effectiveness. “We tested the bio-slurry and immediately saw the difference.
Vegetables looked healthier and stronger, “she says.
The school gardens are now a testament to the students’practical skills and the community’s resilience.
As Ezekiel and his peers cultivate maize, tomatoes, cabbage, and kale, they are not just learning to grow their own food; they are learning about sustainability and self-sufficiency.
The increase in school attendance is a testament to the success of these programs, with daily attendance soaring from around 500 students to 800-900.
The situation in Kyangwali Refugee Settlement underscores the critical role of school feeding programs in addressing food insecurity and promoting education among refugee children.
The programs are more than just about nutrition — they are about education, protection, and the future. Paragraph.
The Kyangwali Refugee Settlement’s school feeding programs are a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives and international support. They show that in the face of adversity, education and sustainability can go hand in hand, nurturing not just bodies, but minds and futures.
As the world watches, these programs continue to inspire hope and resilience in the face of one of the most pressing humanitarian crises of our time.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 3*
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By This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: CARE
