news 14 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Karamoja's Dry Spell Worsens, Leading to Widespread Starvation
Persistent drought in Uganda's Karamoja region has devastated crops and livestock, leaving families facing severe food insecurity and forcing many to resort to desperate measures for survival. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/dry-spell-leaves-karamoja-region-families-starving-5631472
The Karamoja Sub-region is grappling with a severe dry spell that has led to widespread crop failure and a critical shortage of pasture and water for livestock. Districts such as Nabilatuk, Nakapiripirit, Amudat, Kotido, Karenga, Kaabong, Napak, and Abim are experiencing the brunt of the drought, which began in May, disrupting the predominantly rain-fed agricultural systems.
Residents like Esther Agole from Nabilatuk District have witnessed their planted crops, including beans, greens, and sorghum, wither and die due to the lack of rain. With no harvest, families are struggling to secure their next meal. Many, like Ms. Agole, have turned to arduous manual labor such as charcoal burning, collecting firewood, and fetching water for traders to earn meager incomes. “Sometimes a whole day passes without me or my children eating if I fail to sell charcoal or firewood,” she shared.
The limited government food relief distributed in August, consisting of 20 kilograms of maize flour and 10 kilograms of beans per household, was only sufficient for a week, highlighting the scale of the crisis. Alex Apuni, a father of eight, echoed the need for increased and regular food aid. “We ask the government to increase the ration to at least 50 kilogrammes of maize flour and 50 kilogrammes of beans. The supplies should also be regular; otherwise, we are going to starve,” he stated.
The situation is particularly dire for the elderly, people with disabilities, and the blind, who are unable to engage in casual labor. They are reliant on meager aid and the kindness of well-wishers. The lack of food has also impacted education, with some children missing school as parents prioritize the search for food. Community leaders describe the hunger situation as alarming and urge sustained government support. While the government has announced plans for drought-resistant seeds and farming tools, long-term solutions like irrigation and water harvesting are crucial for Karamoja’s resilience.