The government has confirmed that 16 people have died from causes associated with food shortages in the Karamoja sub-region, as prolonged dry conditions continue to devastate crops and deepen hunger across the region.
In a press statement issued on Thursday by Alex Kakooza, the permanent secretary office of the prime minister, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) said the deaths followed widespread crop failure caused by an extended dry spell, prompting an emergency government response.
The announcement comes amid growing concern over worsening food insecurity in Karamoja, where thousands of households have been struggling to access adequate food after poor harvests.
Kakooza revealed that on Wednesday, July 8, it dispatched 22 tonnes of emergency food relief to the worst-hit areas of Loduku and Loyoru sub-counties in Kaabong District. The consignment includes 13 tonnes of maize flour and 9 tonnes of beans.
He also announced that another batch of relief food has already been arranged for immediate distribution to the most affected districts, including Kaabong, Kotido, Amudat, Napak and Moroto.
To expand the emergency response, the Office of the Prime Minister said it will seek Cabinet approval on Monday, July 13, for the procurement of additional emergency food supplies to support the wider Karamoja sub-region and neighbouring districts affected by the drought.
Several parts of Uganda are currently experiencing prolonged dry conditions, but Karamoja has been among the hardest hit, with crop failure triggering acute food shortages.
The government acknowledged the hardships facing affected communities and pledged to continue taking urgent measures to support vulnerable families.
The latest deaths underscore the growing humanitarian challenge in Karamoja and are likely to intensify calls for faster intervention and long-term investments in climate resilience and food security in one of Uganda’s most drought-prone regions.