Government of Uganda has commenced the distribution of emergency food relief to households in the Karamoja sub-region following a prolonged dry spell, with the exercise officially launched in Kotome Parish, Lodiko Sub-county, Kabong District.
The relief operation was flagged off by the Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, 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 at Kabong District Headquarters, 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 end. I will ensure that everyone receives food. No one will be left behind,” he said.
The minister warned that anyone found selling relief food would face the full force of the law. He also commended the Uganda Peoples’ 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, before being extended to the rest of Karamoja, including the Central, Western and Southern clusters of the sub-region.
The Minister of State for Karamoja Affairs, John Baptist Lokii, said the exercise will target households in every parish across the nine districts of Karamoja. He thanked President Yoweri Museveni for the humanitarian intervention, noting that Parliament approved Shs45 billion to support all affected people in the region.
He cautioned residents against selling the relief food and announced that the Government will provide drought-resistant, disease-resistant and early-maturing seeds ahead of the next planting season. He urged communities to prepare their gardens in time.
“As an additional measure, the Government is set to restock the region to help the community in Karamoja fight poverty and hunger,” Hon. Lokii said, calling on local leaders to support the exercise and maintain order during the distribution process.
The Minister of State for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Esther Anyakun, said the Government’s priority is to save lives, adding that UNICEF and the World Food Programme, alongside other development partners, will support schools and communities affected by hunger.
The Commander of the 3 Infantry Division, Maj Gen Wilberforce Sserunkuma, said the UPDF will provide security throughout the operation.
“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, Mr. 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.
