Drought Worsens Hunger in Uganda's Karamoja Region Amid El Niño Arrival

Food insecurity has reached critical levels in Uganda's Karamoja region, with over 600,000 people facing hunger due to severe drought and failed rains. The region, one of Uganda's poorest and most food-insecure areas, is grappling with the harsh realities of a failed rainy season, which experts link to the El Niño weather phenomenon.

Paulina Awii, a resident of Kotido District, described the current year as the worst she has experienced. "By now, people would be eating food. There is too much sunshine. There is no rain," she stated, highlighting the devastating impact on her sorghum crop, which failed to sustain her family.

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This year is the worst compared to the others. By now, people would be eating food. There is too much sunshine. There is no rain.

In response to the escalating crisis, the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Ugandan government implemented early action initiatives. As government weather forecasts crossed critical thresholds in May, authorities activated their drought early action plan for Karamoja. This collaborative effort provided initial food, nutrition, and resilience-building support to 110,000 vulnerable individuals, with additional assistance directed to the hardest-hit districts of Kotido and Kaabong.

Marcus Prior, WFP's Deputy Country Director in Uganda, emphasized the importance of these proactive measures. "Karamoja shows why early action matters: the May support delivered before the drought peaked helped families buy food and cushion themselves against the worst impact of the drought," he said. These anticipatory actions are part of WFP's broader strategy to bolster resilience against potential record-breaking El Niño conditions, which could lead to widespread crop failures and increased hunger globally.

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Karamoja shows why early action matters: the May support delivered before the drought peaked helped families buy food and cushion themselves against the worst impact of the drought.