Engola Launches Karamoja Food Relief Distribution, Warns Against Diversion of Supplies

What the report says

Dokolo Post reported that Uganda’s Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Sam Engola, has launched a government food relief distribution campaign for the Karamoja sub-region, with more than one million kilograms of supplies due to be distributed. The launch took place at Kotome Primary School in Lodiko Sub-county, Kaabong District, targeting beneficiaries from Lopedo/Teuso and Kotome parishes.

According to the report, the intervention will provide each vulnerable household with 20 kilograms of posho and 10 kilograms of beans per month for two months. Engola said the assistance is intended to help families facing food shortages and support them as they prepare for the second planting season. He also cited Cabinet approval of Sh45 billion from the Contingency Fund to finance the emergency programme.

The minister warned that relief items marked “Government of Uganda – NOT FOR SALE” must not be sold, bought, diverted or misused, saying offenders would face arrest and prosecution. He called on leaders managing the exercise to maintain transparency and accountability so that the food reaches the intended recipients.

Dokolo Post said officials at the launch included Karamoja Affairs Minister John Baptist Lokii, State Minister Esther Davinia Anyakun, the UPDF 3rd Division Commander and other political and security leaders. Engola also acknowledged the role of the UPDF, police and other security agencies in safeguarding the distribution, and noted support from humanitarian partners including the World Food Programme. The relief effort matters because Karamoja has faced recurring food insecurity, making delivery controls and timely support central to protecting vulnerable households.