The Minister for Karamoja Affairs, John Baptist Lokii, has called on the government to develop a comprehensive, long-term plan to address persistent food insecurity in Karamoja and neighbouring districts, warning that prolonged drought and repeated crop failures continue to threaten livelihoods across the region.
Speaking to our reporter in Katakwi, Lokii, who is also the Member of Parliament for Matheniko County, commended the government for restoring security in Karamoja and the neighbouring sub-regions of Teso, Lango and Acholi, saying the improved security situation had created an opportunity to shift the region’s focus towards economic transformation and development.
However, he noted that despite the prevailing peace and stability, food insecurity remains a major challenge, largely driven by prolonged drought, unpredictable weather patterns and recurring crop failures.
Lokii welcomed the government’s allocation of 45 billion Shillings from a contingency fund to procure food relief for affected communities in Karamoja and neighbouring regions. He, however, stressed that emergency food assistance alone would not provide a lasting solution, as many households continue to face shortages, malnutrition and growing dependence on humanitarian aid.
The minister called for increased investment in sustainable food production, including drilling boreholes, installing solar-powered irrigation systems, distributing drought-resistant agricultural inputs and establishing demonstration farms where farmers can learn modern farming techniques.
Lokii said the prolonged drought had devastated livelihoods across the region, adding that even farmers who managed to plant crops had suffered losses after wild animals destroyed their gardens.
Beyond addressing food insecurity, the minister credited improved security with creating an enabling environment for government development programmes to reach more communities.He cited initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, the Youth Fund and the Women Fund, saying the relative peace had enabled these programmes to expand their reach and support the region’s development.
Lokii also condemned politicians from Karamoja and Teso whom he accused of promoting division and spreading messages of hatred between the two regions. He called for accountability, urging authorities to take legal action against leaders found to be inciting hostility and undermining peaceful coexistence.
The minister cited social media reports alleging that the government planned to relocate Karamojong people to Teso because of hunger, warning that such claims could fuel ethnic tensions and trigger violence.
Lokii urged the Karamojong and Iteso to live harmoniously and work together to rebuild their shared heritage, noting that the two communities have historical ties and should prioritise peaceful coexistence and joint development-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
