Chekwii County MP, Simon Peter Longoli, has called on the government to increase support for communities in Karamoja and northern Uganda that are struggling with the effects of a prolonged drought.
Speaking to Bbeg Media, Longoli said the extended dry spell has had a devastating impact on food security and the livelihoods of thousands of families.
“We commend the government for the relief provided so far, but we still need more because the impact on communities remains severe,” Longoli said.
He said the drought has caused widespread crop failure, leaving many families without food and a source of income.
According to the legislator, the crisis has contributed to 16 hunger-related deaths. He added that 4,078 households have been affected, while more than 4,000 acres of farmland have been destroyed.
Longoli welcomed the intervention by the Office of the Prime Minister and the Office of the President, saying the assistance had provided relief to many vulnerable families.
However, he stressed that more food aid and other forms of support are urgently needed to help affected communities recover.
The legislator also urged the government to strengthen long-term interventions aimed at reducing poverty and improving resilience in the region.
He noted that despite government efforts to transform Karamoja and Northern Uganda through the Ministry of Karamoja Affairs and the Ministry for Northern Uganda, many challenges remain.
Longoli said communities continue to face widespread poverty, the effects of climate change, and human-wildlife conflicts, among other problems.
He appealed to the government to increase investment in livelihood programmes, agricultural support, and other initiatives that can help communities cope with recurring droughts and build long-term resilience.
