news 16 March 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Over 274 Karamoja Girls Rescued from Labour in Agago Amid Hunger Crisis
More than 274 schoolgirls aged 5-16 from Kotido district in Karamoja were rescued from casual labour in Agago district and returned home due to severe hunger driving their migration. Authorities highlight rising poverty and call for urgent humanitarian aid to prevent further exploitation. Source: https://observer.ug/news/hunger-over-274-kjong-girls-rescued-in-agago
Authorities in Agago district have rescued over 274 school-going girls from Karamoja, returning them to their homes in Kotido after they migrated in search of food.
Aged between 5 and 16, the girls were found working in gardens across sub-counties like Lapirin, Adani, Odokomit, and Acuru. Hailing mainly from Rikitia and Lodera villages in Panyagara sub-county, they earned small payments of Shs 4,000 daily or food like sorghum.
The Agago district security committee intervened to protect the children from exploitation. Resident District Commissioner James Nabinson Kidega noted that over 500 women and children from Kotido had arrived seeking work but lacked basic needs.
With UPDF support, military vehicles transported the group on Sunday, escorting them to Kotido headquarters for handover to local leaders.
Kidega linked the migration to deep poverty, citing UBOS data showing Karamoja’s poverty rate at 74.2% in 2023/24. Kotido Chairperson Paul Lote Komol has appealed to the government for emergency food aid to aid families and the planting season.
Similar rescues continue in Karamoja, with Napak district rehabilitating 682 street children since 2024 under UPE, though 3,000 more await help.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)