Kampala, Uganda — A total of 4,000 households in Uganda’s Elgon region have received direct financial support through the Elgon Cash Program, a disaster relief initiative aimed at assisting families affected by recent floods and landslides. The program, launched by GiveDirectly Uganda in collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister, provided each affected household with a cash grant of UGX 7 million to help with relocation, rebuilding, and livelihood recovery.
The report, titled Disaster Cash Program Pilot Report 2022-2024, reveals that the funds have been used in various ways to help families rebuild their lives. According to the findings, 48% of recipients invested the money in livestock, while 46.9% used the funds for home improvements. Additionally, 36.4% of households purchased land, securing safer locations away from flood-prone areas.
Raphael Magyezi, Uganda’s Minister for Local Government, who represented Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja at the event, emphasized the effectiveness of cash transfers in disaster relief efforts. He praised the flexibility of the program, which allows recipients to prioritize their most immediate needs, making it an efficient and cost-effective approach to alleviating the impacts of climate change.
“Research has shown that cash transfers are highly effective in reducing poverty and improving the well-being of recipients,” said Magyezi. “This initiative has empowered the people of Uganda to take control of their recovery process.”
Prime Minister Nabbanja, in a message read by Magyezi, commended GiveDirectly for its long-standing commitment to supporting vulnerable Ugandans. She highlighted the organization’s extensive track record of helping over 70,000 families across the country through cash transfer programs, totaling more than USD 74 million in direct assistance.
“The Elgon Cash Program is a crucial part of our efforts to help vulnerable communities recover and rebuild,” Nabbanja said. “With the support of GiveDirectly, we are giving families the resources they need to create more secure and sustainable livelihoods.”
The Elgon Cash Program, which was allocated a budget of USD 8.5 million, is seen as a success, with nearly 94% of the targeted households receiving assistance. The program has not only helped meet urgent needs but has also provided recipients with the opportunity to invest in long-term assets such as land and livestock, offering greater economic stability and security.
Ivan Ntwali, Country Director of GiveDirectly Uganda, explained that the organization redirected funds initially intended for anti-poverty efforts to address the immediate needs of flood victims. Despite budget constraints, Ntwali said the goal was to ensure that the most vulnerable families received the support they needed.
“We worked closely with local governments and technical teams to identify affected areas and prioritize those most in need,” Ntwali said. “This collaboration ensured transparency and enabled us to efficiently reach those who required assistance.”
The program’s success has highlighted the importance of cash transfers in disaster response, with officials noting their potential to foster self-reliance and long-term recovery. Magyezi also called on government officials, civil society organizations, and development partners to eliminate bureaucratic barriers that could delay assistance during crises.
As Uganda continues to face the impacts of climate change and natural disasters, initiatives like the Elgon Cash Program are proving to be crucial in helping communities recover, rebuild, and prepare for future challenges.
The program has empowered thousands of families in the Elgon region to invest in safer, more resilient futures.
