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Relief Food trickles down to the beneficiaries in Karamoja
By Ismael Kasooha
KABONG
The Government of Uganda has begun distributing emergency food relief to households in the Karamoja sub-region following a prolonged dry spell.
The exercise was officially launched in Kotome Parish, Lodiko Sub-county, Kabong District on Wednesday.
A Karamajong woman with relief food after it was handed over to her by the minister for Reief, disaster preparedness and Refugees Hon. Sam Engola at Kotome Primary School in Kabong District
The relief operation was flagged off by the Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Hon. Sam Engola, as part of the Government’s intervention to provide immediate assistance to communities whose livelihoods have been severely affected by the prolonged drought.
Speaking to residents of Lodiko sub county at Kotome Primary School in Kabong, Engola reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring that no one in Karamoja dies of hunger.
“His Excellency the President of Uganda does not want to hear of anyone in Karamoja dying of hunger. I am here to supervise the distribution of this food to the intended beneficiary and no one is left behind,” said Engola.
The Minister warned the beneficiaries against selling relief food saying that whoever is found doing so will face the law.
Beneficiaries Carrying their share of the relief food in Kotome Parish in Kabong District
Engola commended the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and other security agencies for safeguarding the food supplies and ensuring they reach the intended beneficiaries.
Engola said the distribution exercise will run for two months, covering July and August 2026.
The Minister for Karamoja Affairs John Baptist Lokii thanked President Museveni for aiding the Karamojong with food which was timely.
“We have to thank the Government more especially President Yoweri Museveni for his humility to the people of Karamoja. When we told him about the hunger situation in Karamoja, he immediately ordered relief food, for this we are very grateful,” said Lokii.
Lokii said the exercise will target households in every parish across the nine Districts of Karamoja.
The Minister of State for Karamoja affairs, Hon. Esther Anyakun, said the Government’s priority was to save lives.
She added that UNICEF and the World Food Programme, alongside other Development Partners, will support schools and communities affected by hunger.
“Partners like UNICEF and World Food Programme are considering schools and children under the age of 5 as government targets households,” said Anyakun.
The UPDF will ensure security for all stakeholders involved in relief distribution, provide escorts, and secure storage facilities. We will ensure food is distributed in an orderly manner without disruption, together with the Uganda Police,” he said
The launch was attended by the Resident District Commissioner of Kabong, Stephen Latek, the Kabong District LCV chairperson, LCIII Chairpersons, the Regional Police Commander for Kotido, the Resident Internal Security Officer, the Deputy Commandant of the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), and Kabong District technical staff.
Government released sh45bn to help provide immediate relief to the people of Karamoja and food was flagged off by the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja on Monday.
The Districts of Kabong, Karenga, Nablatuk, Moroto, Amdat, Nakapiripirit, Napak, Abim and Kotido will all benefit from the aid from.
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Fonte: Office of the Prime Minister
