Concerns over worsening hunger and persistent poverty in the Karamoja sub-region have resurfaced in Parliament, with lawmakers calling on the government to urgently address an emerging food crisis while increasing long-term investments to transform one of Uganda’s most vulnerable regions.
The debate followed President Yoweri Museveni’s address on the achievements of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government, including economic growth, improved life expectancy, reduced infant mortality, and a decline in national poverty levels.
However, Members of Parliament from Karamoja argued that despite Uganda’s overall progress, the region continues to lag behind on key socio-economic indicators.
Pian County MP Remigio Achia acknowledged the President’s account of Uganda’s transformation since 1986, citing growth in the country’s Gross Domestic Product from about USD 3.6 billion to approximately USD 69 billion, an increase in life expectancy from 43 to 68 years, reduced infant mortality, and a significant decline in national poverty.
Achia, however, warned that Karamoja has not benefited equally from these national gains.
He said more than 900,000 people—over half of the region’s estimated population of 1.5 million—are currently facing food insecurity following a prolonged drought that has severely affected crop production.
He attributed the worsening situation partly to repeated climate shocks, which have been compounded by the loss of livestock among pastoral communities due to years of cattle rustling and insecurity.
He said this has weakened the traditional coping mechanisms that helped households survive periods of drought.
The legislator noted that Karamoja continues to record some of the country’s poorest development indicators, with monetary poverty estimated at 74 percent and multidimensional poverty at 56 percent, both significantly above the national average.
Despite the challenges, Achia highlighted Karamoja’s growing contribution to Uganda’s economy through its abundant mineral resources, urging greater attention and investment to ensure the region benefits from its natural wealth.
By Alex Magala
15th July 2026
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