Gov’t shifts Karamoja food relief distribution to UPDF, prisons

What the report says

The Independent Uganda, citing URN, reports that government has moved the distribution of emergency food relief for drought-affected communities in Karamoja from private contractors to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and the Uganda Prisons Service. The change follows a directive by President Yoweri Museveni to the Office of the Prime Minister to stop depending on contracted suppliers for the operation.

According to the report, the decision comes shortly after government launched delivery of 552 tonnes of maize flour and 238 tonnes of beans under a Shs45 billion emergency response approved by the President. The first phase is aimed at the hardest-hit districts of Kaabong, Kotido, Moroto, Karenga and Nabilatuk, where extended dry conditions have left many households short of food.

Beatrice Akori Akello, the Minister of State for Northern Uganda in the Office of the Prime Minister, said in Rubirizi District that the President advised the ministry to work with the UPDF and Prisons because they have capacity and existing food stocks. She said OPM has signed a memorandum of understanding, with the National Enterprise Corporation and Prisons involved in supplying the relief. OPM will supervise delivery up to local governments, with food directed to sub-county headquarters to reduce delays and mishandling.

The report adds that government is pairing the emergency response with longer-term food security plans, including the four-acre model and seed distribution through Operation Wealth Creation before expected August rains. OPM says about 600,000 vulnerable people in Karamoja are facing acute hunger after rains failed in May, leading to widespread crop losses.