Editorial
The Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has launched an emergency food relief operation for Karamoja, acting on President Museveni’s orders after hunger claimed at least 19 lives in the sub-region.
Government will distribute 9 million kilograms of food over the next two months to vulnerable households across Karamoja’s nine districts each family getting 20 kilos of maize flour and 10 kilos of beans.
The food, produced on UPDF farms, is being supplied through the army’s National Enterprise Corporation after Nabbanja said private suppliers had quoted inflated prices.
Nabbanja, warned officials against diverting supplies, saying anyone caught would face serious consequences. She’s directed district leaders to personally supervise distribution, with food going straight to parishes to speed up delivery.
Relief Minister Sam Engola said the response was rolled out within three days through inter-agency coordination, but called for long-term solutions like irrigation dams and grain silos. State Minister Esther Anyakun praised the swift action.
However, local leaders in Moroto District warn the rations may not go far citing large family sizes, some households of 20 or more people, meaning the food could run out within days rather than lasting the intended two months.