WFP resumes food convoys under military escort

Meanwhile, WFP announced the resumption of relief food convoys to the region, where rebel attacks have forced thousands of people to flee their homes. In a news release, it said it began dispatching food to the area two weeks ago, but had to temporarily halt the operation due to attacks and ambushes on commercial transporters along the main Fort Portal-Bundibugyo road. A convoy of trucks carrying 70 mt of WFP food supplies did arrive safely in Bundibugyo town last week. Aid agencies estimate that 50,000 to 70,000 Ugandans living in the western district of Bundibugyo have become displaced from their homes over the past four weeks. "It's becoming increasingly difficult to find transporters willing to risk their lives to carry relief supplies to this area", said Michael Jones, WFP's Deputy Country Director for Uganda. "We've been forced to arrange military escorts to accompany our food convoys to ensure that transporters can travel safely and the food reaches those who need it."