The Kampala Archdiocese has launched a three-day food collection campaign aimed at supporting thousands of people facing severe hunger in the Karamoja sub-region following prolonged drought conditions linked to climate change.
The initiative follows an appeal by the Bishop of Kotido Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dominic Eibu, who called on the Catholic Church to provide urgent assistance to communities struggling with food shortages.
Speaking through the Vicar General of Kampala Archdiocese, Msgr. Rogers Kabuye Mukasa, Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere announced that collection centres have been established at Caritas Kampala offices, where members of the public can donate food supplies.
The first consignment is expected to be delivered to Karamoja on Friday next week.
“As the Church, we are called to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Karamoja. We urge all people of goodwill to contribute food and help save lives during this difficult time,” Msgr. Rogers Kabuye Mukasa said while delivering the Archbishop’s message.
The Archbishop also appealed to Catholic faithful and well-wishers to participate in the campaign as an expression of Christian unity and compassion towards affected communities.
Caritas Kampala Director Fr. John Peter Musumba said the humanitarian campaign will continue for three months, with all collected food distributed to vulnerable people regardless of their religion or background.
Meanwhile, Caritas Uganda representative Simon Peter Mukasa clarified that the campaign will only accept food donations or cash contributions specifically intended for purchasing food.
“Our campaign is guided by the theme ‘every little counts’. We are only receiving food or cash that will be used to buy food because that is the most urgent need in Karamoja,” Mukasa said.
The Church’s intervention comes shortly after government relief efforts in Karamoja, where affected households received emergency supplies including 20 kilograms of maize flour and 10 kilograms of beans.
The Archdiocese says the campaign is intended to complement ongoing efforts and provide additional support to families facing hunger during the difficult period.
