The opposition Democratic Front, DF, has challenged government to urgently come up with a plan to support Ugandans affected by the severe drought being experienced in different parts of the country.

The party warns that the prolonged dry spell could leave many communities facing food insecurity and loss of livelihoods, particularly farmers whose crops and livestock have been affected.

Speaking during a party press conference, DF National Treasurer Abed Bwanika called on government to intervene and provide relief to affected communities, particularly coffee farmers in the Greater Masaka region.

Bwanika says government should not wait for the situation to worsen, but should instead put in place both immediate relief measures and long-term strategies to address the effects of climate change and prolonged drought.

He says the interventions should include food relief, provision of water through measures such as valley dams, expansion of irrigation schemes, and support to farmers to recover their livelihoods.

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