In a bold move to combat hunger and restore hope to thousands of families, the Honorable Sam Engola, Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, has officially launched the distribution of over one million kilograms of essential food supplies across the Karamoja sub-region. This massive operation began with a high-profile event at Kotome Primary School in Kaabong District, signaling the start of a major government effort to stabilize the region and protect its most vulnerable citizens.
Under this comprehensive relief plan, each household in need will receive a monthly ration of 20 kilograms of posho and 10 kilograms of beans for the next two months. This is more than just a short-term fix; it is a strategic intervention designed to provide families with the nutritional security they need to focus on their fields. By addressing immediate hunger, the government is ensuring that farmers have the strength and resources to maximize the upcoming second planting season, eventually paving the way for regional self-sufficiency.
Minister Engola delivered a stern and unwavering message to anyone who might consider exploiting this program for personal gain. He pointed out that every single package is clearly branded as government property and is strictly not for sale. The Minister warned that any individual, whether a private citizen or a government official, who is caught stealing, selling, or diverting these supplies will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. He made it clear that the state will have zero tolerance for anyone who attempts to profit from the needs of the hungry.
This life-saving initiative was made possible by a Sh45 billion allocation from the national Contingency Fund, a move championed by President Yoweri Museveni and the Cabinet. Minister Engola praised this significant financial commitment, describing it as a clear demonstration of the government’s deep-rooted compassion and its duty to safeguard every Ugandan during times of environmental or economic hardship.
To guarantee that the food reaches the intended beneficiaries without interference, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and the Uganda Police Force have been deployed to provide tight security throughout the distribution exercise. The Minister also expressed his appreciation for international humanitarian partners, specifically the World Food Programme, for their ongoing efforts to complement the government’s work in addressing food shortages across the region.
The launch was attended by several high-ranking officials, including the Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Dr. John Baptist Lokii, and the State Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Esther Davinia Anyakun. In his closing remarks, Minister Engola called upon all local leaders to maintain the highest levels of honesty and transparency. He emphasized that this mission is a matter of life and death, and it must be executed with total integrity to ensure that every ounce of support reaches the families who need it most.