16 Die of Hunger as Drought Devastates Crops in Uganda

At least 16 people have died from hunger in Uganda’s north-eastern Karamoja region following a prolonged drought that has wiped out crops and left thousands of families without food, the government has said.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja disclosed that the deaths occurred in recent weeks as the region experienced little or no rainfall since April, the start of the planting season.

She said the prolonged dry spell had destroyed crops, forcing many households into severe food shortages. The government has begun distributing emergency food aid while her office seeks cabinet approval on Monday to procure additional relief supplies for the affected communities.

Farmers across Karamoja reported widespread crop failures after large areas of maize, sorghum and soybeans withered due to inadequate rainfall, dashing hopes of a successful harvest.

Experts attributed the recurring food crises in the region to a combination of climate change, erratic rainfall, deforestation, overgrazing and crop pests, warning that these factors continue to increase the vulnerability of local communities.

They urged authorities to strengthen weather forecasting systems, expand irrigation projects and promote drought-resistant crop varieties to improve food security.

Karamoja, a semi-arid region in north-eastern Uganda, has repeatedly faced severe hunger crises.

In 2022, an official human rights report said more than 2,200 people died from starvation and hunger-related illnesses in the region.

The crisis sparked controversy after then Ugandan Foreign Minister Henry Okello Oryem described those who died from hunger as “idiots”, arguing that the country’s fertile land and favourable climate should enable people to grow enough food for themselves.