BREAKING: Uganda, WFP Sign Landmark Deal to Establish Global Fleet Emergency Hub in Kampala
Kampala, Uganda — Uganda and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) have signed a landmark agreement to establish a Global Fleet Emergency Hub in Kampala, marking one of the most significant developments in Africa’s humanitarian logistics in recent years.
The new hub will serve as WFP’s strategic centre for rapid deployment of emergency assistance across Africa—strengthening disaster response, reducing delays, and ensuring life-saving supplies reach vulnerable communities faster.
WFP, the world’s largest humanitarian organisation, says the Kampala hub will dramatically expand its regional capabilities as conflicts, climate change, and natural disasters continue to fuel humanitarian needs across the continent.
A New Era for Africa’s Emergency Response
In 2024 alone, WFP Uganda delivered 173,745 metric tons of food assistance across 545 locations, reaching more than two million people within Uganda. The agency also transported 10,000 metric tons of supplies for humanitarian partners and moved an additional 33,000 metric tons to neighbouring countries including Burundi, DR Congo, Kenya, South Sudan, and Ethiopia.
With the new Global Fleet Emergency Hub now in place, WFP expects those numbers to increase significantly.
“This hub will be the launch point for coordinated emergency response across Africa,” said Marcus Prior, WFP Uganda Country Director. “When crises strike—whether due to conflict or climate shocks—help will arrive faster, reach further, and save more lives.”
Uganda Positioned as Africa’s Humanitarian Logistics Heart
Works and Transport Minister Gen Edward Katumba Wamala said Uganda’s central geographic location and expanding infrastructure make Kampala the natural choice for the new continental hub.
“Uganda lies at the heart of East Africa, supported by robust transport networks and progressive trade facilitation policies,” said Katumba. “This partnership cements our strategic role as a logistics powerhouse for the region.”
As part of the agreement, UN/WFP fleet vehicles operating from Kampala will be issued specially designed, high-security number plates manufactured locally under Uganda’s Intelligent Transport Monitoring System (ITMS) programme.
The enhanced plates incorporate advanced software and hardware features that facilitate easier cross-border movement, eliminate lengthy deregistration procedures, and ensure humanitarian convoys move efficiently even during emergencies.
“These distinctive plates represent more than administrative efficiency,” Katumba added. “They symbolise our collective commitment to ensuring life-saving supplies reach those in need without delay.”
Boosting Regional Development and Reducing Bureaucracy
The improved fleet identification system is expected to cut costs, minimise delays at border points, and align Uganda’s humanitarian transport operations with regional frameworks—strengthening the broader East and Central African logistics ecosystem.
Damir Makhmutov, ITMS Project Manager, praised Uganda’s leadership in modernising regional transport solutions.
“It is encouraging to see Uganda emerge as a key player in international programmes,” he said. “The government’s strategy will accelerate national and regional development.”
Uganda Reaffirms Regional Humanitarian Leadership
Uganda, home to Africa’s largest refugee population, has long been recognised for its progressive humanitarian policies. Foreign Affairs Minister Jeje Odongo said the country’s commitment extends far beyond its borders.
“By hosting the WFP Global Fleet Hub, we are extending our humanitarian leadership across the continent,” Odongo said. “When we invest in logistics and remove bureaucratic barriers, we save lives—not just in Uganda, but throughout Africa.”
A Turning Point for Africa’s Emergency Logistics
The Kampala Global Fleet Emergency Hub is expected to become one of the continent’s most critical humanitarian assets—strengthening Africa’s capacity to respond to conflict, disaster, displacement, and climate-driven emergencies.
As humanitarian needs continue to rise, Uganda’s partnership with WFP positions Kampala at the centre of Africa’s most urgent and impactful life-saving operations.
