K’jong Search For Food

Aug 26, 2002

Famine stricken Karimojong have started fleeing their homes in search of food in other districts, the MP for Bokora, Mr. Patrick Apuun, and that for Jie county, Mr. Rex Achila, have said.

By Nathan EtenguFamine stricken Karimojong have started fleeing their homes in search of food in other districts, the MP for Bokora, Mr. Patrick Apuun, and that for Jie county, Mr. Rex Achila, have said.Achila said eight people had died of famine-related diseases in Kalapata sub-county, while the community in Loyoro sub-county had started eating cactus plants. The two legislators said some of the Karimojong were fleeing to Masindi, while others were moving to Mbale, Bugiri, Malaba, Busia and Iganga.“Some of them are moving to areas where they have relatives while others are just venturing into the wild,” Apuun said. He said a similar exodus occurred in 1980 when famine forced hundreds of the Karimojong to flee to other districts in search of food.Apuun said his county had been affected by the severe drought that scorched nearly all the crops. He said some of the crops were scorched on the ground while others withered at flowering stage.Achila said the people in Loyoro sub-county, Kotido district, had started eating cactus plants. “The most affected areas in Kotido include Nakapelimoru, Kotido sub-county and Panyangara,” Achila said.He said the May fierce fight between the UPDF and the warriors during which the available food was burnt, compounded the problem in Panyangara sub-county. Ends

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