News
Government launches emergency food relief distribution in Karamoja
The relief distribution operation was launched in Kotome Parish, Lodiko sub-county, Kabong District, by Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Sam Engola.
A beneficiary lifting a bag of posho she has received during the launch of relief food distribution in Kabong district. (Courtesy photo)
By: Charles Etukuri, Journalist @New Vision
________________
Distribution of emergency food relief to households in the Karamoja sub-region is underway.
The Government intervention was rolled out on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, following a prolonged dry spell in the region.
The relief distribution operation was launched in Kotome Parish, Lodiko sub-county, Kabong District, by Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Sam Engola.
A woman waits to be given a bag of posho and rice during the launch of relief food distribution in Kabong district. (Courtesy photo)
The minister said that the supply is part of the Government intervention to provide immediate assistance to communities whose livelihoods have been severely affected by the prolonged drought.
A release from the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs states that while addressing huge crowds at Kabong District Headquarters, Engola reiterated the Government's commitment to ensuring that no one in Karamoja dies of hunger.
He also warned that anyone found selling relief food would face the full force of the law.
The minister also commended the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and other security agencies for safeguarding the food supplies and ensuring they reach the intended beneficiaries.
"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," he said.
Engola said the distribution exercise will run for two months, covering July and August 2026, before being extended to the rest of Karamoja, including the Central, Western and Southern clusters of the sub-region.
The Minister of State for Karamoja Affairs, John Baptist Lokii, said the exercise will target households in every parish across the nine districts of Karamoja. He thanked President Yoweri Museveni for the humanitarian intervention, noting that Parliament approved Shs45 billion to support all affected people in the region.
He cautioned residents against selling the relief food and announced that the Government will provide drought-resistant, disease-resistant and early-maturing seeds ahead of the next planting season. He urged communities to prepare their gardens in time.
"As an additional measure, the Government is set to restock the region to help the community in Karamoja fight poverty and hunger," Lokii said, calling on local leaders to support the exercise and maintain order during the distribution process.
The minister also commended the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and other security agencies for safeguarding the food supplies and ensuring they reach the intended beneficiaries.
"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," he said.
Engola said the distribution exercise will run for two months, covering July and August 2026, before being extended to the rest of Karamoja, including the Central, Western and Southern clusters of the sub-region.
The Minister of State for Karamoja Affairs, John Baptist Lokii, said the exercise will target households in every parish across the nine districts of Karamoja. He thanked President Yoweri Museveni for the humanitarian intervention, noting that Parliament approved Shs45 billion to support all affected people in the region.
He cautioned residents against selling the relief food and announced that the Government will provide drought-resistant, disease-resistant and early-maturing seeds ahead of the next planting season. He urged communities to prepare their gardens in time.
"As an additional measure, the Government is set to restock the region to help the community in Karamoja fight poverty and hunger," Lokii said, calling on local leaders to support the exercise and maintain order during the distribution process.
The Minister of State for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Esther Anyakun, said the Government's priority is to save lives, adding that UNICEF and the World Food Programme, alongside other development partners, will support schools and communities affected by hunger.
The Commander of the 3 Infantry Division, Maj Gen Wilberforce Sserunkuma, said the UPDF will provide security throughout the operation.
"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," he said.
On Monday, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja launched an emergency food relief program for Karamoja sub-region, aiming to support vulnerable households affected by a prolonged dry spell.
Nabbanja said government plans to distribute 9,419,610 kilograms of relief food, including maize flour and dry beans, to 313,987 households across 480 parishes in the nine districts of Karamoja.
The distribution is being coordinated by the Office of the Prime Minister in partnership with the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), the UPDF, the Uganda Prisons Service, the Uganda Police Force, and local governments. The initiative follows a directive from President Museveni to provide support to communities affected by the difficult food situation in Karamoja
Dignitaries at the event included the Resident District Commissioner of Kabong, Stephen Latek, the Kabong District LCV Chairperson, LCIII chairpersons, the Regional Police Commander for Kotido, the Resident Internal Security Officer, the Deputy Commandant of the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), and Kabong District technical staff.
Community members waiting for their names to be called during the launch of relief food distribution in Kabong district. (Courtesy photo)
The Commander of the 3 Infantry Division, Maj Gen Wilberforce Sserunkuma, said the UPDF will provide security throughout the operation.
"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," he said.
On Monday, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja launched an emergency food relief program for Karamoja sub-region, aiming to support vulnerable households affected by a prolonged dry spell.
Nabbanja said government plans to distribute 9,419,610 kilograms of relief food, including maize flour and dry beans, to 313,987 households across 480 parishes in the nine districts of Karamoja.
The distribution is being coordinated by the Office of the Prime Minister in partnership with the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), the UPDF, the Uganda Prisons Service, the Uganda Police Force, and local governments. The initiative follows a directive from President Museveni to provide support to communities affected by the difficult food situation in Karamoja
Dignitaries at the event included the Resident District Commissioner of Kabong, Stephen Latek, the Kabong District LCV Chairperson, LCIII chairpersons, the Regional Police Commander for Kotido, the Resident Internal Security Officer, the Deputy Commandant of the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), and Kabong District technical staff.