Politics 24 July 2026 Parliament of Uganda
Parliament Demands Urgent Action on Northern Uganda Drought and Hunger Crisis
Lawmakers have unanimously supported a motion calling for immediate government intervention to combat the escalating drought and hunger crisis in Northern Uganda, emphasizing both relief and long-term resilience measures. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/index.php/news/4503/members-back-motion-counter-drought-hunger-northern-uganda
Members of Parliament have voiced strong support for a motion urging the government to swiftly address the severe drought and hunger plaguing Northern Uganda. The motion, introduced by Hon. Anthony Akol, highlights the dire need for scaled-up humanitarian aid and investment in climate-resilient strategies.
Akol stressed the urgency of delivering relief food and agricultural inputs, such as seedlings, to households devastated by the prolonged dry spell. He also advocated for enhanced early warning systems to provide farmers and local authorities with timely weather information.
The resolution further pushes for the expedited use of US$38 million from the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund IV (NUSAF IV) Disaster Risk Financing Facility. This funding is intended to combat the drought’s impact across several sub-regions, including West Nile, Acholi, Lango, Karamoja, Teso, Bukedi, Bunyoro, and Elgon.
Several MPs echoed concerns about the worsening situation, with some noting that the crisis has moved beyond agricultural challenges to a humanitarian emergency. Hon. Peter Okot pointed out that many farmers had invested heavily in crops that were subsequently destroyed by the unexpected drought, warning of significant loss of life if support is not forthcoming.
Proposals were also made to incorporate crop insurance into long-term solutions, ensuring greater protection for farmers’ livelihoods against unpredictable weather patterns. Hon. Simon Peter Longoli highlighted the critical rainfall deficit in Karamoja, reporting extensive crop destruction and a significant number of hunger-related deaths, though official figures differ from reported estimates.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja assured Parliament that the government is actively implementing emergency interventions. She confirmed that relief food stocks have been positioned, and the army has been tasked with distributing supplies to the most affected areas, with distribution expected to begin imminently.