At least 16 people have died from hunger in recent weeks in Uganda's north-eastern Karamoja region due to a prolonged drought, the Ugandan government has confirmed. The dry spell, which began in April at the start of the planting season, has devastated crops, leaving thousands of families without food.
Farmers Devastated by Crop Losses
Farmers in Karamoja report that large areas of maize, sorghum, and soybeans have withered, shattering hopes of a bumper harvest. The region received little or no rain since April, leading to widespread crop failure. Experts warn that recurring food shortages in the area are driven by climate change, poor rainfall, deforestation, overgrazing, and crop pests, which together leave communities increasingly vulnerable to hunger.
Government Response and Emergency Aid
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja stated that thousands of families have been left without food as the dry spell destroyed crops. Her office is seeking cabinet approval on Monday to purchase additional supplies for affected areas. The government has already started distributing emergency food aid to the hardest-hit communities.
Historical Context and Expert Calls
Uganda's semi-arid north-east has experienced catastrophic food shortages before. In 2022, more than 2,200 people died of starvation and related illnesses in north-east Uganda, according to a report by an official human rights body. Experts are now calling for better forecasting, investment in irrigation, and the development of drought-resistant crops to mitigate future crises.
The situation has drawn attention to past insensitive comments by officials. In 2022, then-foreign minister Henry Okello Oryem sparked outrage by calling those who died of hunger “idiots,” arguing that Uganda has favorable climate and fertile land, so people should be able to grow food for themselves.
