UPDF and Prisons to handle food distribution in Karamoja, distribution to curb corruption.
BY OKIDI PATRICK OCAMOYIDYEL
KAMPALA,UGANDA– Government has moved to fast-track food relief to drought-stricken Karamoja, with Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Hon. John Baptist Lokii and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja at the forefront of the emergency response.
The new plan will see the UPDF and Uganda Prisons Service take charge of food distribution for the next two months, in a bid to ensure transparency and cut out corruption.
“Using the army structure”
Addressing an emergency meeting on the Karamoja crisis in Kampala on Monday, 14th July 2026, PM Nabbanja said President Yoweri Museveni had directed that relief be delivered through established government structures.
“We have observed that the army, are relatively cheap because they have this food in their stores. We shall use the structure of the army to supply food for two months, between July-August and August-September,” Nabbanja said.
She added that Prisons will also support the exercise since they have food in stock.
Minister Lokii applauded for coordination
Hon. John Baptist Lokii, the Minister for Karamoja Affairs, was commended for his close coordination with the OPM and other stakeholders to ensure the needs of affected communities are addressed urgently.
Leaders noted that Lokii’s on-ground monitoring and advocacy have been critical in pushing government to respond swiftly to the drought situation in the sub-region pf Karamoja.
Access to water and pasture
The Prime Minister further announced that the Minister of Tourism has been directed to allow regulated grazing in Pian Upe National Game Reserve to enable pastoralists access water and pasture during the dry spell.
Government officials said the intervention is expected to bring immediate relief to thousands of Karimojong households currently facing food insecurity.
PM Robinah Nabbanja and Minister John Baptist Lokii are leading government efforts to deliver food aid to Karamoja. The UPDF and Prisons will handle distribution for two months to ensure efficiency and transparency.
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