Government has commenced the distribution of emergency food relief to vulnerable households in the Karamoja sub-region following a prolonged dry spell that disrupted livelihoods and heightened food insecurity.
The exercise was officially launched in Kotome Parish, Lodiko Sub-county, Kabong District, marking the start of a humanitarian intervention aimed at supporting communities most affected by the drought.
Speaking during the launch at Kabong District headquarters, the Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Sam Engola, said the government is committed to ensuring that no one in the region succumbs to 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,” Engola said.
He warned against the sale of relief food, saying those found diverting or selling the supplies would face legal action. Engola also commended the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and other security agencies for safeguarding the food stocks and supporting the distribution process.
According to the minister, the relief exercise will run for two months, covering July and August 2026, before being extended to the Central, Western and Southern clusters of Karamoja.
Minister of State for Karamoja Affairs John Baptist Lokii said the programme will benefit households in every parish across the region’s nine districts. He noted that Parliament approved Shs45 billion to finance the emergency intervention.
Lokii urged residents not to sell the relief food and announced that government will distribute drought-resistant, disease-resistant and early-maturing seed varieties ahead of the next planting season to support agricultural recovery.
“As an additional measure, the Government is set to restock the region to help the community in Karamoja fight poverty and hunger,” Lokii said.
He also called on local leaders to support the distribution exercise and ensure order throughout the operation.
Minister of State for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees Esther Anyakun said the immediate priority is to save lives, adding that development partners, including UNICEF and the World Food Programme (WFP), will complement government efforts by supporting schools and vulnerable communities affected by hunger.
The Commander of the 3 Infantry Division, Maj Gen Wilberforce Sserunkuma, said the UPDF will provide security throughout the operation, including escorting relief supplies, securing storage facilities and working with the Uganda Police Force to ensure orderly distribution.
“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,” Sserunkuma said.
The launch was attended by district leaders, security officials and technical staff from Kabong District.
