The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council (UMSC) has delivered relief food to vulnerable communities in the Karamoja sub-region following prolonged drought and food shortages that have left many families struggling to find food.
The relief drive was launched by the Mufti, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, who called on well-wishers, charities and other organisations to support communities affected by the worsening food crisis.
Prolonged drought in Karamoja has destroyed crops and livestock, leaving many families, particularly children and elderly people, in need of assistance.
The relief supplies, which included maize and cassava flour, beans, sugar, salt, cooking oil and other essential food items, were delivered to vulnerable communities in Kotido and Moroto districts on Friday, September 25, 2026.
The UMSC sent two delegations to oversee the exercise. Sheikh Mubaje led the team to Kotido, while the Deputy Mufti, Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, together with the Second Deputy Mufti, Dr Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya, led activities in Moroto.
The delegations travelled from Kampala on Thursday, September 24, and spent the night in the region before beginning the relief activities the following day.
The team also paid a courtesy call on Moroto district local government leaders at the district headquarters. The leaders were led by Deputy Resident District Commissioner Toku Justine.
Toku said the region had previously faced serious insecurity linked to the illegal possession of firearms, resulting in the loss of lives.
He commended religious leaders for helping to mobilise communities to surrender illegal firearms, saying their efforts had contributed to restoring peace.
On the food crisis, Toku said the situation remained worrying despite government interventions. He said government needed the support of partners, including religious institutions, to respond to the crisis.
Sheikh Waiswa said the UMSC decided to intervene after learning about the hardships facing families in Karamoja.
“This is the beginning. We shall continue to mobilise for more foodstuffs,” he said.
A lorry carrying more than 600 packages of relief food was later flagged off for communities gathered at Kotaruko Village in Nadunget Sub-county.
The beneficiaries, including children and elderly people, welcomed the delegation with songs. Area chief Lokure Deng Denis said some families had gone several days without food.
Sheikh Waiswa prayed for the affected communities and pledged to seek more support.
