Government has finalized plans to distribute over 9.4 million kilograms of emergency relief food to drought-stricken families across the Karamoja sub-region.
The Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Hon. Lokii John Baptist, chaired a regional coordination meeting in Kaabong District to streamline logistics, beneficiary verification, and security for the exercise. The intervention follows a directive from the Office of the Prime Minister to cushion communities in Karamoja sub region against severe hunger.
The food package comprises maize flour and beans, which will reach affected populations across all nine districts in the sub-region.
Hon. Lokii praised local leaders for conducting a rapid assessment that shaped the government’s response.
“The assessment report has helped us to clearly establish the extent of the situation in the region,” Hon. Lokii said. “Food is now available for everyone in Karamoja, and we shall use the distribution matrix to ensure it reaches the most vulnerable people. Let no one misuse this food. Let it reach all the distribution centres in time.”
The minister directed Chief Administrative Officers, Resident District Commissioners, and security agencies to oversee the exercise closely. He ordered them to submit regular progress updates.
“We must work as a team to carry out routine monitoring and coordination of the food distribution,” Hon. Lokii stated.
He warned local officials against diverting or stealing the relief supplies, noting that culprits will face immediate legal action. Additionally, he commended security forces for restoring peace in the area, stating that stability will facilitate smooth operations.
The National Enterprise Corporation will handle transport and delivery of the supplies to all designated distribution points.
Kaabong Resident District Commissioner Stephen Latek urged all technical and political officers to handle the distribution with total integrity.
“We must fulfil the Head of State’s commitment by ensuring the food reaches the most vulnerable people,” Latek said.
Security forces have pledged full support to guarantee a smooth and transparent exercise. The Commander of the UPDF 3 Infantry Division, Major General Wilberforce Sserunkuma, warned leaders against manipulating beneficiary data.
“As stakeholders, let us not interfere in this food distribution operation if we are to save the lives of the people of Karamoja,” Maj. Gen. Sserunkuma said. “We must guard against the exaggeration of data. Accurate data will give us a proper basis for better planning and distribution of the food items.”
Maj. Gen. Sserunkuma confirmed that the UPDF and Uganda Police Force will provide armed escorts and transport to deliver food safely to remote villages.
Distribution will start immediately as local authorities finalize the verified beneficiary registers. District officials will replicate similar coordination meetings across all nine districts to maintain standard operating procedures.
