Caritas Uganda's National Director, Fr. Hillary Muhenzangango, has appealed to the government to take immediate action to address the persistent famine and drought in the Karamoja sub-region. He emphasized the need for sufficient water for agricultural production, including harnessing water from nearby rivers, lakes, and other water bodies to support local farmers. This appeal was made during the handover of 10 metric tonnes of maize flour to Caritas Moroto in Moroto Diocese.
The maize flour consignment was mobilized from all 19 Catholic dioceses in Uganda following an appeal by Caritas Uganda to support communities affected by hunger in Karamoja. This is the sixth food donation delivered since the launch of the humanitarian fundraising campaign. The campaign has so far raised over Shs150 million, alongside food donations made in kind, to support hunger-affected communities in Karamoja.
Fr. Muhenzangango stressed that Uganda has vast tracts of arable land and the potential to become a food basket for countries across Africa and beyond. However, this potential remains largely untapped due to unfulfilled government pledges, inadequate financial support, and limited human resources. He believes that greater investment in water infrastructure and agricultural support would enable communities in Karamoja to produce their own food.
The Karamoja sub-region has been facing persistent famine and drought, affecting communities and making them dependent on humanitarian assistance. Caritas Uganda is working to support these communities through food donations and appeals for government action. The organization's efforts aim to reduce dependence on humanitarian aid and enable communities to sustain themselves through local food production.
Fr. Muhenzangango's appeal for urgent government action highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to address the famine and drought in Karamoja. This includes investing in water infrastructure, providing financial support, and ensuring adequate human resources. The government is yet to respond to Caritas Uganda's appeal, but the organization's efforts continue to support affected communities.
The humanitarian fundraising campaign launched by Caritas Uganda has made significant progress, with over Shs150 million raised and food donations made in kind. The campaign aims to support hunger-affected communities in Karamoja and reduce their dependence on humanitarian assistance. Caritas Uganda continues to work with local communities, Catholic dioceses, and government agencies to address the crisis.
The crisis in Karamoja requires a sustained and collaborative effort to address its root causes and provide long-term solutions. Caritas Uganda's efforts, along with those of other organizations and government agencies, are crucial in supporting affected communities and enabling them to recover from the famine and drought. The organization's appeal for urgent government action emphasizes the need for a coordinated response to the crisis.
Key points
- Caritas Uganda urges the government to take decisive action to address the famine and drought in Karamoja.
- The organization appeals for greater investment in water infrastructure and agricultural support to enable communities to produce their own food.
- The humanitarian fundraising campaign has raised over Shs150 million and delivered six food donations to support hunger-affected communities in Karamoja.
