Drought Devastates Agago: 18 Dead, Hundreds Hospitalized Amidst Severe Hunger

Agago District in northern Uganda is grappling with a severe hunger crisis following a prolonged drought that destroyed harvests from March to August. The lack of rain has left many families without food, forcing some to survive on a single meal a day and leading to widespread malnutrition.

The situation has become so dire that it brings back painful memories of a similar famine in 1994 when Agago was still part of Pader District. Residents described their deteriorating conditions, with many showing signs of severe malnourishment, including pale skin and extreme weakness.

Local leaders report that at least 18 people have died due to malnutrition, and over 350 individuals have been admitted to health facilities across the district. Humanitarian organizations like The Salvation Army and Love One International are stepping in to provide much-needed food relief and medical support, particularly for vulnerable groups like the elderly and malnourished children.

Community members are also pointing to factors like deforestation, cultivation in wetlands, and a shift away from indigenous seeds as contributing to their vulnerability to drought. District authorities are exploring long-term solutions, including promoting drought-resistant crops like cassava and encouraging irrigation schemes, to build resilience against future climate shocks.

Humanitarian efforts are ongoing, with organizations distributing essential food items to households in need. However, officials emphasize that more support is urgently required to address the needs of thousands of households, especially the elderly, who are most at risk during this devastating period. The district council has passed a resolution for every family to grow cassava, a hardy crop, to mitigate future food insecurity.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/drought-pushes-agago-families-to-the-brink-as-18-die-hundreds-admitted-5574576