14/07/2026
Karamoja and the northern regions have taken a devastating and tragic turn following a prolonged dry spell, which has decimated crops, leaving thousands of households with empty granaries and empty stomachs. The situation is so dire that it has become a matter of life and death, with suspected hunger-related fatalities already being reported as vulnerable families are forced to survive on wild leaves, raw fruits, and sheer desperation.
The 18-week dry spell has triggered severe hunger across Karamoja, leaving hundreds malnourished and destroying crops. In Karamoja alone, at least 23 people have reportedly died from hunger-related causes. During an emergency relief disbursement on Thursday, the Government confirmed 16 deaths in Kotido and Kaabong districts and described the situation as “devastating” following massive crop failure.
The children and the elderly are most affected. Most families are skipping meals to allow children to eat. officials stated.
The crisis stems from deeper environmental and structural challenges. Climate change, land degradation, and dependence on one rainy season have made the semi-arid region increasingly vulnerable. Prolonged droughts, flash floods, deforestation, and overgrazing have degraded farmland, while pest infestations and livestock diseases have worsened conditions.
Although some have called it famine, an official declaration requires meeting strict IPC criteria: extreme food shortages in at least 20% of households, acute malnutrition in over 30% of children under five, and a mortality rate of at least two people per 10,000 daily.
On Wednesday, the Government dispatched 22 tonnes of emergency food relief to Karamoja to address the immediate needs.
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