Kotido Faces Severe Hunger Crisis: 15 Deaths Reported Amidst Devastating Drought

Kotido district is grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis as a prolonged drought has decimated crops, leading to acute food shortages. Authorities have confirmed at least 15 deaths since June, attributed to suspected hunger-related illnesses, with further fatalities reported in sub-counties like Napumpum, Longaroe, Maru, and Rengen.

District officials estimate that over 45,600 households, out of a population of nearly 219,700, have been severely impacted by the dry spell. The Chief Administrative Officer, Emmanuel Oyuku, stressed the alarming figures and called for immediate action, urging a shift in food storage practices. He highlighted that many households sell their entire harvest, leaving them vulnerable when crop yields fail.

Both the District Chairperson, Paul Lote Komol, and the Kotido District Agricultural Officer, Robert Kennedy Okuda, have painted a grim picture. Komol described the situation as a humanitarian emergency and appealed to the Office of the Prime Minister for urgent food aid. Okuda detailed that rainfall has been significantly below normal, leading to an estimated 87% crop loss, translating to a Shs 56 billion economic deficit and underscoring the need for irrigation investments.

While local leaders largely attribute the crisis to the devastating drought, some farmers defended the practice of selling produce, citing it as their primary source of income for school fees, medical expenses, and other necessities. However, the escalating crisis, particularly affecting the elderly and malnourished children, demands immediate intervention and long-term strategies for climate-resilient agriculture and improved food security measures.

The wider Karamoja sub-region is also experiencing severe food insecurity, with a significant portion of its population classified under crisis and emergency phases of food insecurity. Immediate relief is critical, alongside sustainable solutions to prevent future occurrences.

https://observer.ug/news/fifteen-dead-as-drought-devastates-kotido-deepens-hunger-crisis