MPs Urge Shift from Disaster Relief to Long-Term Preparedness

Members of Parliament have voiced strong opinions, advocating for a significant shift in government strategy from reactive disaster relief to proactive preparedness measures. This sentiment emerged following a statement by the Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Hon. Sam Engola, detailing the current status of disasters and government interventions.

Minister Engola informed the parliamentary sitting, chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, that the government is distributing essential food supplies, including maize flour and beans, to thousands of households across nine districts in Karamoja. This intervention is a direct response to severe food insecurity in the region, affecting hundreds of thousands of people.

However, MPs like Hon. Jesca Ababiku emphasized the need for long-term solutions. She called for increased investment in irrigation to shield farmers from recurrent droughts, noting that previous agricultural programs in Adjumani district have stalled. Similarly, Hon. Faith Nakut questioned the sustainability of repeated food relief efforts, highlighting the immense financial commitment and the temporary nature of such aid.

Nakut also raised concerns about potential flooding following the current drought, urging the government to prepare by deploying equipment for desilting waterways. Hon. Betty Aol Ocan advocated for the restoration of government food reserves, a measure that historically provided a buffer during times of crisis.

Other proposals included planned resettlement of communities from disaster-prone areas and a focus on irrigation. Meanwhile, the government is reportedly developing an El-Nino contingency plan to address potential heavy rainfall between September and December 2026, encompassing interventions across key sectors like agriculture, health, and infrastructure.

The discussions underscore a growing consensus within Parliament for more sustainable approaches to managing the impacts of natural disasters, moving beyond immediate relief to build resilience.

Source: Parliament of Uganda