The Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Hon. Lokii John Baptist, chaired a coordination meeting in Kabong District to finalise plans for the distribution of emergency food relief to communities affected by prolonged drought and hunger across the Karamoja Sub-region.
The meeting brought together government officials, district leaders, the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prisons Service, and other stakeholders to harmonise beneficiary identification, distribution timelines, logistics, storage, and monitoring mechanisms in line with the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) directive.
Hon. Lokii commended regional leaders for conducting a rapid assessment that informed the government’s response.
“The assessment report has helped us to clearly establish the extent of the situation in the region. Food is now available for everyone in Karamoja, and we shall use the distribution matrix to ensure it reaches the most vulnerable people. Let no one misuse this food. Let it reach all the distribution centres in time,” he said.
The Minister directed Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs), Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), and security agencies to provide regular updates on the distribution exercise and ensure close monitoring of the process.
“We must work as a team to carry out routine monitoring and coordination of the food distribution,” he said.
He also called on leaders to intensify community mobilisation and sensitisation, urging beneficiaries to use the relief food responsibly. He warned that anyone found diverting or misappropriating the food would face legal action.
Hon. Lokii praised the security agencies for restoring peace in Karamoja, noting that the prevailing stability would support the successful implementation of the relief programme.
The National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) has been contracted to deliver food supplies for distribution across the nine districts of Karamoja. A total of 9,419,790 kilograms of relief food will be distributed, comprising maize flour and beans.
Kabong Resident District Commissioner Stephen Latek urged all officials involved to execute the exercise with professionalism and integrity.
“We must fulfil the Head of State’s commitment by ensuring the food reaches the most vulnerable people,” he said.
The Commander of the UPDF 3 Infantry Division, Major General Wilberforce Sserunkuma, said the security forces would work closely with the Ministry and district authorities to guarantee a transparent, orderly and accountable distribution process.
“As stakeholders, let us not interfere in this food distribution operation if we are to save the lives of the people of Karamoja. We must guard against the exaggeration of data. Accurate data will give us a proper basis for better planning and distribution of the food items,” he said.
He added that the UPDF and Uganda Police would provide transport, security and escorts to ensure relief supplies safely reach beneficiaries, including those in hard-to-reach areas.
The meeting resolved that food distribution would commence immediately after beneficiary lists and logistical arrangements are finalised. Similar coordination meetings will be held across all nine districts of Karamoja to ensure a uniform and well-coordinated implementation of the exercise.
The meeting was attended by district political and technical leaders, including the Dodoth North Member of Parliament, the Kabong Chief Administrative Officer, heads of departments, and representatives of security agencies.
