The Government of Uganda has rolled out an emergency food relief operation to support thousands of households in the Karamoja sub-region grappling with the effects of a prolonged dry spell that has severely disrupted agricultural production and heightened food insecurity.

According to details shared by the Government of Uganda, the intervention includes the distribution of 9,419,610 kilogrammes of maize flour and dry beans. These supplies are targeted at 313,987 households across 480 parishes in the nine districts of Karamoja.

The exercise is being coordinated by the Office of the Prime Minister in collaboration with the National Enterprise Corporation, Uganda People's Defence Forces, Uganda Prisons Service, Uganda Police Force, and local governments. Officials emphasised that the distribution will be conducted with a strong focus on efficiency, transparency, and accountability to ensure aid reaches the intended beneficiaries.

During the flag-off ceremony at the NEC headquarters in Bugoloobi, Kampala, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja reaffirmed the government's commitment: "The Government stands with the people of Karamoja and will continue to mobilise the necessary resources to support their recovery and build resilience against future shocks."

Hon. Sam Engola, Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, urged political, religious, and community leaders, as well as civil society organisations and beneficiaries, to support the process by promoting transparency, accountability, and peaceful distribution.

The government also highlighted its broader strategy, noting ongoing efforts to strengthen long-term resilience against recurrent dry spells, including the recently approved Karamoja Regional Development Plan. Stakeholders continue to call for sustained investments in climate-smart agriculture, irrigation infrastructure, and livelihood diversification in vulnerable regions like Karamoja.