WFP to step up operations in Bundibugyo

WFP is to increase its food deliveries to the western Bundibugyo district, due to a surge in internally displaced people. A WFP spokesperson told IRIN on Friday food deliveries had been hampered by insecurity, but convoys would now have military escorts and it was expected food would double from 400 mt per month in June to at least 800 mt, starting next week. Up to 17 trucks will start shuttling between Fort Portal and Bundibugyo, with three vehicles taking care of local distributions. WFP has been carrying out "stop-start deliveries" to the remote region since the convoys resumed operations two months ago. "The situation is extremely volatile," the spokesperson said. "The few people who manage to go to their farms to gather plantain and cassava rarely want to stay because the [Allied Democratic Forces] rebels who have been living off the abandoned land fire at them." WFP will cover the food needs of 80,000 displaced people. ICRC estimates at least 90,000 IDPs in the region.