By Sadique Bamwita
KAMPALA
The government of Uganda has rolled out an emergency food relief intervention for the Karamoja sub-region, to support communities affected by the prolonged dry spell that has disrupted agricultural production, depleted household food stocks, and increased the risk of food insecurity.
While flagging off the emergency food relief on Monday July 20, 2026, at the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) head offices in Bugolobi zone, Nakawa Division, Premier Robinah Nabbanja, said Government will deliver 9,419,610 kilograms of relief food, comprising maize flour and dry beans, to 313,987 households across 480 parishes in the nine districts of the Karamoja sub-region.
“The Government stands with the people of Karamoja and will continue to mobilise the necessary resources to support their recovery and build resilience against future shocks,” Premier Nabanjja reaffirmed government commitment.
The Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Sam Engola, urged all leaders and officials involved in the response to ensure that relief food reaches the intended beneficiaries.
“We appeal to political, religious, and community leaders, civil society organisations, and beneficiaries to support the exercise by promoting transparency, accountability, and peaceful distribution,” Minister Engola warmed officials charged with food distribution.
The permanent secretary Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), Alex Kakooza, noted that Government remains committed to long-term measures that will strengthen resilience to recurrent dry spells.
“The Office of the Prime Minister will continue to closely monitor the food security situation in Karamoja and neighbouring districts while coordinating both immediate humanitarian assistance and long-term resilience interventions,” PS Kakooza pledged.
He added, “We are also engaging our development partners to strengthen efforts to protect lives and livelihoods, guided by the recently approved Karamoja Regional Development Plan”.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Prime Minister is coordinating the exercise in partnership with the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Uganda Prisons Service, Uganda Police Force, and local governments to ensure efficient, and transparent distribution of the food relief.
