22 people die after eating wild cassava in Karamoja

By Our Reporter

14^th July 2022

At least twenty-two people have died in Kalemalera village, Kacheri sub-county in Kotido district after eating wild cassava.

The victims started dying last week with the latest having died last evening.

The majority of the victims are children below five years and Elderly persons from 70-years and above.

Julius Lokoru, a resident of Kalemalera village, says that after eating the wild plants, which resemble cassava, the victims became weak but didn’t bother to seek medical attention.

Lokoru explains that even when the victims started dying, no one got concerned because their death was blamed on hunger.

Paul Komol Lotee, the Kotido district LC V chairperson, says that he learned of the incident late when he was moving around to assess the hunger situation in the villages.

Komol said most people have abandoned their homes with only children and the elderly who are also struggling for their dear lives.

The figures show that the number of people who have died of hunger has risen to close to 1000 in the past six months, About 350,000 people are facing severe hunger due to persistent drought coupled with insecurity.

Early this week, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja revealed that the government has provided Shillings 135 billion for food relief and seedling distribution in Karamoja.