The Government has commenced the distribution of emergency food relief to thousands of households affected by the prolonged dry spell in the Karamoja sub-region, with the official launch held at Potome Primary School in Lodiko Sub-county, Kaabong District.
Kaabong, one of the districts hardest hit by the extended drought, has witnessed declining crop yields, depleted food reserves, and increased vulnerability among communities that largely depend on subsistence farming and livestock for survival.
The launch of the relief exercise was presided over by the Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Hon. Sam Engola, alongside the Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Hon. John Baptist Lokii, and the Minister of State for Karamoja Affairs, Hon. Esther Anyakun.
Speaking during the event, government officials reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that no household in Karamoja is left behind as the region grapples with the effects of erratic weather patterns that have disrupted livelihoods.
Hon. Engola said the intervention is part of the government’s broader emergency response aimed at cushioning vulnerable communities from the devastating effects of climate change and food insecurity.
“The government remains committed to supporting our people during difficult times. This food relief programme is intended to provide immediate assistance as we continue implementing long-term solutions to improve resilience and food production in Karamoja,” he said.
The relief operation follows Cabinet’s approval of an emergency food assistance programme targeting hundreds of thousands of households across the nine districts of Karamoja. The initiative includes the distribution of maize flour and beans to families identified through local government structures.
Hon. John Baptist Lokii described the exercise as a lifeline for many residents who have endured months of hardship due to the prolonged dry spell.
“Karamoja has faced significant challenges over the years, but government interventions continue to demonstrate that the people of this region remain a priority. We urge communities to ensure that the food reaches the intended beneficiaries,” he noted.
Hon. Esther Anyakun emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability during the distribution process, calling on local leaders to closely monitor the exercise to prevent diversion of relief supplies.
Residents who gathered at Potome Primary School welcomed the intervention, expressing hope that it would ease the burden faced by families struggling to secure daily meals.
Many households in Kaabong have experienced reduced harvests following consecutive seasons of below-average rainfall, forcing some families to adopt negative coping mechanisms, including skipping meals and selling livestock.
Government officials noted that while emergency food relief remains critical, sustained investments in irrigation, water harvesting, commercial agriculture, and livelihood diversification will be necessary to build resilience against future climate shocks in the sub-region.
The commencement of food distribution in Kaabong marks the beginning of a wider rollout across Karamoja, where thousands of vulnerable households are expected to receive relief supplies in the coming weeks.
As trucks carrying maize flour and beans continue to arrive in the region, the intervention offers renewed hope to communities battling one of the harshest dry spells in recent years, underscoring the government’s commitment to protecting lives and restoring food security in Karamoja.
