By Watchdog reporter
Government has revealed that it will increase funding towards food relief for vulnerable communities by another Shs15 billion.
The State Minister for Planning, David Bahati, announced that government was re adjusting its budget to allocate the Shs15 billion towards food purchases for relief aid.
It is estimated that 1.6 million Ugandans are in immediate need of food aid, while another 10 million have only a meal a day. This brings the amount so far collected to Shs25 billion, which will be spent to come to the aid of those
starving. However, this is not enough to cater for the millions in dire need of food.
It is estimated by Hilary Onek, the minister of disaster preparedness, that to feed a person three meals a day
comes at a cost of 20,000 shillings. To feed 1.6 million Ugandans would require a daily budget of 32 billion.
There seems to be some relief to the prolonged dry spell in sight as parts of the country have began experiencing rainfall. However, it will take a number of months before farmers can harvest from their gardens.
Do you have a story in your community or an opinion to share with us: Email us at editorial@watchdoguganda.com
