The Minister for Karamoja Affairs, John Baptist Lokii, has announced that emergency relief food is now available for all people in the Karamoja Sub-region and will be distributed using a distribution matrix designed to ensure support reaches the most vulnerable households affected by prolonged drought and hunger.
Speaking in Kabong District, Lokii said a rapid assessment conducted by regional leaders had enabled the Government to establish the extent of the food insecurity situation and plan an appropriate response in line with the directive of the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM).
“The assessment report has helped us to clearly establish the extent of the situation in the region. Food is now available for everyone in Karamoja, and we shall use the distribution matrix to ensure it reaches the most vulnerable people. Let no one misuse this food. Let it reach all the distribution centres in time,” he said.
The Minister directed Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs), Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), and security agencies to provide regular updates on the distribution exercise and ensure close monitoring of the process.
“We must work as a team to carry out routine monitoring and coordination of the food distribution,” he said.
Lokii called on leaders to intensify community mobilisation and sensitisation, urging beneficiaries to use the relief food responsibly. He warned that anyone found diverting or misappropriating the food would face legal action.
The Minister also praised the security agencies for restoring peace in Karamoja, noting that the prevailing stability would support the successful implementation of the relief programme.
The National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) has been contracted to deliver food supplies for distribution across the nine districts of Karamoja.
A total of 9,419,790 kilograms of relief food, comprising maize flour and beans, will be distributed.
Kabong Resident District Commissioner Stephen Latek urged all officials involved in the exercise to execute their responsibilities with professionalism and integrity.
“We must fulfil the Head of State’s commitment by ensuring the food reaches the most vulnerable people,” he said.
The Commander of the UPDF 3 Infantry Division, Major General Wilberforce Sserunkuma, said the security forces would work closely with the Ministry and district authorities to guarantee a transparent, orderly, and accountable distribution process.
“As stakeholders, let us not interfere in this food distribution operation if we are to save the lives of the people of Karamoja. We must guard against the exaggeration of data. Accurate data will give us a proper basis for better planning and distribution of the food items,” he said.
He added that the UPDF and Uganda Police would provide transport, security, and escorts to ensure relief supplies safely reach beneficiaries, including those in hard-to-reach areas.
The food distribution exercise will commence immediately after beneficiary lists and logistical arrangements are finalised.
Similar coordination engagements will be conducted across all nine districts of Karamoja to support a uniform and well-coordinated implementation of the exercise.
District political and technical leaders, including the Dodoth North Member of Parliament, the Kabong Chief Administrative Officer, heads of departments, and representatives of security agencies, are involved in the implementation and oversight of the exercise.
