Govt to distribute relief food to Karamoja

KAMPALA - The government is to begin distributing food relief to the people of Karamoja region in the northern part of Uganda.

During an inter-ministerial meeting Friday, the need for transparency in the distribution of relief food and other supplies was emphasized.

The meeting, chaired by the Prime Minister, Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, was also attended by MPs from Karamoja region, who were encouraged to be involved in the distribution.

It was agreed that relief food be delivered to the people there to avert the emergency food situation in the area.

The deteriorating food situation in the region was blamed on prolonged drought – which was said to have destroyed crops and affected livestock.

The meeting also agreed to treat the livestock in Karamoja, Teso and Lango against foot and mouth disease and ticks, and to negotiate for peaceful cross-border grazing of Karamoja cattle in Teso and Lango regions because of lack of pasture and water in Karamoja.

Efforts by government through the Ministry of Karamoja Affairs in supporting the people of Karamoja to grow their own food were appreciated. But it was also noted that such efforts have been negatively affected by drought.

As a long term measure, the meeting agreed to invest in more reliable and sustainable water harvesting technologies to facilitate irrigation and water supply for human and livestock use in the region.

The meeting at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kampala brought together the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Matia Kasaija; State Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Barbra Oundo Nekesa; State Minister for Ethics and Integrity, Sam Lokodo; and MPs from the seven districts that constitute Karamoja region.