Drought drives Sudanese to Karamoja
Sep 07, 2009
PROLONGED drought and famine has driven hundreds of Sudanese into arid Karamoja in search of food and water. Over 250 Sudanese over the weekend crossed from Lotukei in southern Sudan into Uganda at Maji-Moto border point.
By Henry Mukasa
PROLONGED drought and famine has driven hundreds of Sudanese into arid Karamoja in search of food and water.
The over 250 Sudanese over the weekend crossed from Lotukei in southern Sudan into Uganda at Maji-Moto border point, through Kidepo National Park to Kawalkol village in Kabong district.
The Sudanese ethnic group, who are traditionally herdsmen, reportedly lost their livestock and crops during the drought.
“Hunger decimated their animals on which their livelihood were anchored and has turned to the people. Now that there are no animals and grain, hunger has come hard on them,†the Dodoth MP, the Rt. Rev. Simon Lokodo, said on telephone on Saturday.
The UPDF has moved in to help resettle the displaced people into a collection centre where they can receive relief supplies.
The 503 brigade commander, Lt. Col. Ismail Masudi, said: “The situation is not as bad as you would imagine. We assured them that the Government will do everything to help them.â€
Disaster preparedness and refugees state minister Musa Ecweru called for the identification and registration of the Sudanese as refugees.
PROLONGED drought and famine has driven hundreds of Sudanese into arid Karamoja in search of food and water.
The over 250 Sudanese over the weekend crossed from Lotukei in southern Sudan into Uganda at Maji-Moto border point, through Kidepo National Park to Kawalkol village in Kabong district.
The Sudanese ethnic group, who are traditionally herdsmen, reportedly lost their livestock and crops during the drought.
“Hunger decimated their animals on which their livelihood were anchored and has turned to the people. Now that there are no animals and grain, hunger has come hard on them,†the Dodoth MP, the Rt. Rev. Simon Lokodo, said on telephone on Saturday.
The UPDF has moved in to help resettle the displaced people into a collection centre where they can receive relief supplies.
The 503 brigade commander, Lt. Col. Ismail Masudi, said: “The situation is not as bad as you would imagine. We assured them that the Government will do everything to help them.â€
Disaster preparedness and refugees state minister Musa Ecweru called for the identification and registration of the Sudanese as refugees.