What you need to know:
- In April 2024, both the Ugandan government and development partners classified nine districts in the region as food insecure. Approximately 45 percent of the population, about 585,000 people, were reported to be experiencing acute food shortages.
The government of China has donated 1,610 metric tonnes of rice to support families grappling with hunger in Karamoja Sub-region, which is currently facing a lean season marked by severe food insecurity and depleted food stocks.
In April 2024, both the Ugandan government and development partners classified nine districts in the region as food insecure. Approximately 45 percent of the population, about 585,000 people, were reported to be experiencing acute food shortages.
Speaking during a visit to Nakapelimoru Primary School in Kotido District on Monday, the Chinese Ambassador to Uganda, Mr Zhang Lizhong, said the Chinese government was committed to supporting Uganda in its fight against hunger.
“Not long ago, we received a request from the government of Uganda about the food security issues in the Karamoja area. The Chinese government acted quickly to address food insecurity and malnutrition,” Mr Zhang said.
Mr Joseph Abelle, the liaison officer for Karamoja Sub-region at the Ministry of Education and Sports, said food shortages have forced many children out of school.
“The food available has reduced significantly. Children are dropping out of school to go to the bush in search of wild fruits. Some households are surviving on one meal a day,” he said.
Mr Abelle called on government to fund an emergency response rather than leaving it entirely to development partners.
“It should not be left to partners alone. Government must take charge or the situation will deteriorate,” he added.
The World Food Programme (WFP) is currently spearheading the Lean Season Response in Karamoja. This primarily targets vulnerable groups, malnourished pregnant and breastfeeding women, children under five, elderly persons aged 80+, and persons with disabilities, across affected sub-counties.
WFP’s Area Head, Mr James Kingori, said they are providing 75kg of rice per vulnerable household and 60kg to households affected by fire.
“So far, we have reached 14,648 households across the targeted districts, with 4,376 of these in Kotido District alone, benefiting over 21,880 individuals,” Mr Kingori said.
He added that WFP is also working with local governments to map drought-prone areas and support anticipatory mitigation efforts.
Mr Donato Oola Olam, the Chief Administrative Officer of Kotido, said contract farming is being introduced in the region as part of a broader food security strategy.
“WFP’s support for smallholder farmers is empowering communities and strengthening food systems toward a hunger-free future,” he said.
Kotido District LCV Chairperson, Mr Paul Lote, said beyond hunger, residents also face serious water challenges.
“Access to clean water remains a major problem and this affects education and health outcomes in the subregion,” he said.
Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Mr Peter Lokeris, applauded China for also supporting school feeding programmes implemented by WFP in 320 schools.
“This initiative has not only reduced dropouts but also improved learning outcomes for our children in Karamoja,” he said.
Currently, WFP provides a daily hot meal to more than 216,000 children in nine districts across the region.
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