The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) has delivered relief food to drought-hit communities in Karamoja Sub-region. The relief supplies, valued at Shs130 million, include maize flour, cassava flour, beans, sugar, salt, and cooking oil. About 700 packages were distributed to communities in Kotido and Moroto districts. The beneficiaries included children, elderly people, and families who had gone for several days without adequate food.
The relief drive was launched by Mufti of Uganda, His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, who led the UMSC delegation to Kotido. The Mufti handed over relief food to communities at Napumpum and Amoru villages in Panyangara Sub-county. He pledged that the UMSC would support longer-term development initiatives in the region, including drilling boreholes, constructing mosques and classroom blocks, and establishing a health centre.
Mufti Mubaje said the UMSC’s intervention should go beyond emergency relief, arguing that the people of Karamoja need sustainable empowerment programmes to overcome poverty and the effects of the harsh climate. He commended the government for restoring peace and stability in the region, saying the prevailing security situation provides an opportunity for greater investment in livelihoods and development.
Before the food distribution exercise, Mufti Mubaje paid a courtesy visit to the Resident District Commissioner of Kotido, Ichogor Charles. The meeting was attended by several leaders, including Area Woman Member of Parliament Nuria Hafsa Teko and District Police Commander Jimmy Tumusingye. Ichogor briefed the Mufti on the district’s background and the food crisis affecting the population.
In Moroto, the delegation led by Deputy Mufti, Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, was welcomed by the Karamoja Muslim District leadership. The delegation later paid a courtesy call on Moroto district local government leaders, where Deputy Resident District Commissioner Toku Justine highlighted the region’s progress in restoring peace following years of insecurity.
Toku said illegal possession of firearms had previously contributed to widespread violence and loss of lives, but credited the government, religious leaders, and community mobilisation efforts for contributing to improved security. He expressed gratitude to the UMSC for extending assistance to vulnerable people regardless of their religious affiliations.
The UMSC delegations left Kampala on Thursday, September 24, and spent the night in the region before commencing the relief activities the following day. The relief food distribution exercise was part of the UMSC's efforts to support communities facing hardship.
Key points
- The UMSC delivered relief food valued at Shs130 million to drought-hit communities in Karamoja Sub-region.
- The relief supplies included maize flour, cassava flour, beans, sugar, salt, and cooking oil.
- The UMSC pledged to support longer-term development initiatives in the region.
