At least 16 people have died from causes linked to food shortages in the Karamoja sub-region, amid prolonged dry conditions that have triggered crop failure and worsened hunger among vulnerable communities.
The deaths have been reported as several parts of the country continue to experience dry spells, with Karamoja among the most affected areas due to failed harvests and declining food supplies.
In response to the crisis, the Government has started delivering emergency relief food to the affected communities, with the Office of the Prime Minister confirming that 22 tonnes of food supplies were delivered on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, to Lodiko and Loyoro sub-counties in Kaabong District.
The consignment included 13 tonnes of maize flour and nine tonnes of beans and is intended to provide immediate relief to families facing severe food shortages.
According to a statement issued on Thursday, July 9, 2026, by Office of the Prime Minister Permanent Secretary Alex Kakooza, another consignment of relief food has been arranged for urgent distribution to the most affected districts, including Kaabong, Kotido, Amudat, Napak, and Moroto.
The government further revealed that the Office of the Prime Minister will on Monday, July 13, 2026, seek Cabinet approval for the procurement of additional emergency food relief to support communities across the wider Karamoja sub-region and neighbouring districts.
The intervention comes as authorities intensify efforts to support families affected by the ongoing food crisis and address the impact of prolonged dry conditions on livelihoods.
