WFP to feed 500,000 in northern Uganda
Aug 02, 2002
THE World Food Programme (WFP) has pledged to offer 28,000 tons of food to feed over 500,000 people affected by the latest attacks by Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebels in the northern Uganda, reports<B> Gilbert Awekofua.</B>
THE World Food Programme (WFP) has pledged to offer 28,000 tons of food to feed over 500,000 people affected by the latest attacks by Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebels in the northern Uganda, reports Gilbert Awekofua.The WFP deputy country director, Edward Kallon, who toured the area last week, called upon the army to give adequate security to agencies helping with the food distribution.Kallon, who also held various meetings with districts officials and NGOs in the area, said the magnitude of the food crisis in the north would be greatly influenced by level of rebel activities.The food aid comes barely a week after the Government announced a sh28b international emergency appeal for northern Uganda.Kallon said drought which had heavily affected Kitgum district could compound the food problem in the region. State minister for disaster preparedness Christine Amongin Aporu, who also toured the camps for displaced persons, warned the local leaders against politicising the food allocation.The residents expressed fear that the relief food would be taken away by the rebels, who also seem to be monitoring the food distribution.“When you bring the food like this, it is an attraction for the rebels also,†the Mucwini sub-county district councillor, Constantine Odongtoo, said.Aporu urged the 18,000 residents of Mucwini affected by the killing last week of 55 residents by LRA not to trek to Kitgum town in order to avoid congestion and possible epidemic outbreak. She said they should instead assemble at Mucwini trading centre for protection as WFP gives them food.