MPs and Minister Seek Long-Term Solutions for Karamoja's Persistent Hunger

The recurring crisis of hunger in the Karamoja region was a central topic as Members of Parliament met with Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness, and Refugees, Sam Engola. The discussion highlighted a consensus that continuous emergency food distribution, while necessary for immediate survival, fails to address the root causes of the persistent food insecurity that has plagued the region for approximately 40 years.

Minister Engola acknowledged the effectiveness of current relief efforts, which utilized Shs45 billion from the Consolidated Fund, but emphasized the need for a paradigm shift. He proposed long-term solutions including the construction of food silos, the expansion of irrigation systems, and the improvement of water infrastructure. Engola believes that with the right support, Karamoja’s population can achieve food self-sufficiency.

The Presidential Affairs Committee, led by Chairperson Hon. Martin Ojara Mapenduzi, questioned the sustainability of the government’s approach. MPs like Hon. Annet Katusiime and Hon. Peter Pex Paak stressed the importance of developing a deliberate strategy that moves beyond annual feeding programs. They called for permanent solutions that foster local food production rather than perpetuating a cycle of dependency.

Catherine Ahimbisibwe, Assistant Commissioner for Disaster Preparedness, informed the committee that a long-term strategy is being formulated under the Karamoja Development Plan. This plan aims to transition the region from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture, incorporating irrigation, substantial water infrastructure, and environmental conservation efforts.

Despite challenges with logistics, including poor road networks and inadequate storage, the immediate relief operation successfully distributed over 9.4 million kilograms of maize flour and beans to thousands of households across Karamoja’s nine districts. The Office of the Prime Minister also indicated a need for additional trucks to bolster their disaster response capabilities, with Principal Disaster Management Officer Cyprian Dhikusooka requesting a minimum of six more vehicles.

Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4620/mps-minister-engola-ponder-how-solve-karamojas-hunger-cycle