Politics 18 September 2026 Parliament of Uganda
MPs, Minister Debate Long-Term Solutions for Karamoja's Persistent Hunger
Members of Parliament and Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Sam Engola, are urging a shift from emergency food aid to sustainable solutions like irrigation and commercial agriculture to address the 40-year cycle of hunger in Karamoja. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/index.php/news/4620/mps-minister-engola-ponder-how-solve-karamojas-hunger-cycle
Lawmakers and Minister Sam Engola have voiced concerns over the recurring hunger crisis in the Karamoja region, questioning the sustainability of current relief efforts. Appearing before the Presidential Affairs Committee, Minister Engola acknowledged that while emergency food distribution is vital for saving lives, it does not offer a lasting solution to a problem that has plagued the region for approximately four decades.
Engola suggested that a more permanent fix for Karamoja’s challenges could involve significant infrastructure development, including building silos, expanding irrigation systems, and enhancing water infrastructure. He emphasized that the region’s population has the potential for food production if the necessary resources and systems are put in place. The Minister also highlighted ongoing collaborations with the Ministry for Karamoja Affairs and other state ministers to devise more enduring strategies.
Committee Chairperson Martin Ojara Mapenduzi pressed the Office of the Prime Minister for a long-term plan, questioning the repeated need for extensive food aid in the face of persistent drought. Other MPs, including Annet Katusiime and Peter Pex Paak, echoed these sentiments, calling for a deliberate shift towards empowering Karamoja to achieve food self-sufficiency rather than relying on continuous external assistance.
Assistant Commissioner for Disaster Preparedness, Catherine Ahimbisibwe, noted that a comprehensive Karamoja Development Plan is in the works, aiming to transition the region from subsistence to commercial agriculture, supported by improved water infrastructure and environmental conservation. She reported that the immediate relief operation had successfully distributed millions of kilograms of maize flour and beans to numerous households across the nine districts.
However, challenges such as poor road networks, vehicle breakdowns, and insufficient storage facilities were cited as impediments to the effective delivery of aid. The Ministry of Disaster Preparedness also requested additional funding for trucks to bolster its disaster response capabilities.