Karamoja leaders call for long-term strategies as more districts receive food aid
During a food distribution event in Napak district, the Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness, and Refugees, Sam Engola, reassured the people of Karamoja that there is sufficient food for all households, despite some discrepancies in the data.
Ministers Hon. Sam Engola and Hon. John Baptist Lokii handing over relief food to one of the household heads in Napak district. (Courtesy photo)
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More hunger-stricken people in the Karamoja sub-region have received food relief provided by the government. The latest beneficiaries are families in Moroto and Napak, where several tonnes of maize flour and beans were distributed to households on Monday.
During a food distribution event in Napak district, the Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness, and Refugees, Sam Engola, reassured the people of Karamoja that there is sufficient food for all households, despite some discrepancies in the data.
“Nobody should die of hunger in Karamoja because the government is here to support its people. The President has ordered that all households receive food immediately to save lives,” stated Engola.
L-R: Ministers Hon. Esther Anyakun, Sam Engola and John Baptist Lokii joined by the WFP representative and Country Director to Uganda after meeting leaders in Karamoja sub-region over the food crisis. (Courtesy photo)
“We appreciate President Yoweri Museveni for his humility and generosity as the fountain of honour. The people of Karamoja are blessed,” said Lokii.
He added that the government has increased the Senior Citizens Grant (SAGE) disbursement for the elderly in Karamoja from 25,000 to 75,000 shillings per month to help address the current food crisis.
A statement from the Prime Minister's Office notes that local leaders, led by the LC V chairpersons from Moroto and Napak, praised the government's quick response. However, they urged for more strategic planning to tackle the recurring hunger in Karamoja.
John Paul Kodet, the LC V chairman of Napak, stated that if the government invests in water harvesting, many of these challenges could be mitigated. “We need the government to establish dams in all parishes so we can irrigate our crops when the rains are delayed,” said Kodet.
“We are here to lend a hand by providing food to schools so that children can remain enrolled despite the challenges posed by prolonged drought,” said Kaaria.
Ministers Hon. Sam Engola and Hon. John Baptist Lokii while addressing a section of the people in Napak district. (Courtesy photo)
Esther Anyakun, the State Minister for Karamoja Affairs, encouraged parents to send their children to school, where they will receive food provided by partners.
Dignitaries at the event included Maj. Gen. Wilberforce Sserunkuma, the UPDF Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division based in Moroto, who assured the attendees of their safety.
The government has released 45 billion shillings to provide immediate relief to the people of Karamoja, with food distribution flagged off by the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Nabbanja Robinah. The districts benefiting from the relief food include Kabong, Karenga, Nablatuk, Moroto, Amdat, Nakapiripirit, Napak, Abim, and Kotido.