Church of Uganda launches emergency food relief for hunger-hit Karamoja communities

What the report says

The Church of Uganda has started an emergency food relief effort in North Karamoja Diocese to help communities facing a prolonged hunger crisis in Uganda’s Karamoja sub-region, according to Watchdog Uganda. The flag-off took place in Kotido on 18 August 2026 and was led by Archbishop Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu.

The church said the response was prompted by an appeal from North Karamoja Bishop Simon Akol Aisu to the Church of Uganda Board of Trustees in July. North Karamoja Diocese covers Kotido, Kaabong, Abim and Karenga districts. To assemble the aid, the church worked with ACT Alliance and contributions from dioceses, institutions, Christians and other partners.

The shipment includes tens of thousands of kilograms of posho and beans, plus smaller amounts of soya beans and silver fish. The church said the latter items are intended to support malnourished children, and that the relief should reach more than 2,000 people affected by food insecurity.

Archbishop Kaziimba said the church wanted to turn compassion into practical help and urged those handling the distribution to ensure the supplies are delivered fairly and without discrimination. He also called for longer-term measures such as support for farmers, climate-smart agriculture, irrigation and better preparedness for climate-related shocks. The event was attended by local political and government leaders, and the church said the relief would later extend to Karamoja Diocese.