The area which lies on the border of the Karamoja sub-region has for years experienced unreliable rainfall punctuated with drought, flood, and hailstorms which caused insufficient agricultural production leading to food insecurity among its populace.
Thousands of people in Karamoja, one of Uganda’s poorest regions, are starving as a result of prolonged drought, the increase of insecurity and its associated protection risks, as well as large-scale structural and chronic vulnerabilities.
Lachin Hasanova, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Head of Field Office at Nakivale notes that the settlement has inadequate social services. Hasanova explains that unlike the base camp at Nakivale which has adequate services, Rubondo Zone lacks some of the essential services among others electricity and a stable telecommunication network.
John Bosco Akore, the secretary of Kotido Elders council says the most effective way to distribute relief is to give households cash so that they can plan and spend on what fits them as far as food is concerned.
Paul Komol Lotee, the LC V chairperson of Kotido district, says that people are still struggling to find food and asks the government to expedite the procurement process because they have continued registering deaths resulting from hunger.
Micheal Longole, the Mt Moroto regional police spokesperson said they received the information concerning the diversion of posho meant for vulnerable communities, which prompted them to swing into action. He said the suspected relief food was found in the home of Sophia Nakoroi in Camp Swahili Juu, south division in Moroto municipality.
John Bosco Dagama Olwit, the Okwongo LCIII Chairperson says the entry of Karimojong into the district is a big challenge considering the fact that Otuke is struggling with food shortage.
Kitgum Woman MP Lillian Aber told MPs that the Mental Health Department in Kitgum Hospital is understaffed and unable to carry out outreaches to assist the victims. She added that despite the research that has been carried out, there is still no clear medical explanation of the causes of the disease.
Emmanuel Moru, whom our reporter found constructing a kraal adjacent to the army detach said the warriors have continued terrorizing them over the goats distributed by the president and they are now resorting to camp near security for their safety
Lokeris Nakwang, a resident of Atedeoi village in Lotisan sub-county, says that hunger has forced them to start boiling hides for food. She says that they have eaten all sorts of wild green vegetables and the only edible items they are left with in the house are skins and hides.
Statistics from the district indicate that more than half of the 46,949 people in Katakwi are starving, with the majority undergoing severe food shortages.
Mary Nakiru, a 13 years old female from Loputuk village said they struggle to burn charcoal or collect firewood depending on what’s in high demand and they take to a town that is about 10 kilometers away from the village to go for an exchange to get local brew residues as food.
John Bosco Akore, the secretary Kotido Elder’s Council told URN that the severe shortage of food has led to widespread malnutrition, which caused the death of 58 children and elderly people between May and June this year.
Rhoda Akec, another refugee says most food prices within Kiryandongo Refugee settlement have doubled or tripled recently leaving most vulnerable members unable to afford them.
According to the National Oil Spills Contingency plan, licensed companies will be required to clean up the damage as well as pay compensation to damaged entities and affected communities.
Fredson Kakooza Wilson, the LC 3 Chairperson of Nabiswera sub-county, says that they secured five acres of land at Kalwara village to relocate Moone Primary School to ensure the 265 learners continue with studies.
James Okwera, a resident of Labworomor in Palaro Sub-County says the absence of technical staff who should closely supervise their subordinates in the district has left civil servants to abscond from work, report late with impunity.
