Government Launches Karamoja Food Relief Amid Severe Drought

The Government of Uganda has commenced a vital relief food distribution program in the drought-stricken Karamoja sub-region. The operation officially kicked off in Kotome Parish, Lodiko Sub-county, Kabong District, marking a significant intervention to address the impacts of a severe and prolonged dry spell on local communities.

Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness, and Refugees, Sam Engola, flagged off the exercise, emphasizing the government’s unwavering commitment to preventing hunger-related deaths in Karamoja. He assured residents that the distribution would be thorough, leaving no one behind.

Minister Engola issued a stern warning against the resale of relief food, stating that offenders would face legal consequences. He also acknowledged the crucial role of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and other security agencies in ensuring the safe delivery of food supplies to the intended beneficiaries.

The distribution is slated to run for two months, covering July and August 2026, with plans to extend the aid to all districts within Karamoja. This includes the Central, Western, and Southern clusters of the sub-region.

Minister of State for Karamoja Affairs, John Baptist Lokii, detailed that the program will target households in every parish across the nine districts. He highlighted a parliamentary approval of Shs45 billion allocated to support those affected. Beyond immediate food relief, the government plans to provide drought-resistant seeds for the upcoming planting season and initiatives to combat poverty.

Minister of State for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Esther Anyakun, confirmed that saving lives is the government’s top priority, with support also coming from UNICEF, the World Food Programme, and other development partners for affected schools and communities.

Major General Wilberforce Sserunkuma, Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, assured that the UPDF, in collaboration with the Uganda Police, would provide comprehensive security for the operation, including escorts and safeguarding storage facilities to ensure an orderly distribution process.

This initiative was launched with the presence of numerous local government officials and security personnel, underlining the multi-agency approach to tackling the Karamoja crisis.