The LCV Chairperson of Kaabong district in north eastern Uganda Jino Meri has said the number of citizens currently dying because of hunger is abnormally high. As such, the chairman has refused to disclose the figures of those dying in his district because it is beyond comprehension to the other Ugandans.
Now humbled and humiliated, Karimojong families in Moroto, Napak and Kaabong have appealed to members of the opposition to extend their hand to help save the lives by distributing some relief food to them. Karamoja has for many years consistently voted for the ruling party.
Faced with death, the proud are for the first time ever openly appealing for food from the political opposition. They have found themselves in this situation due to the current biting hunger caused by prolonged drought.
Many families in the region can’t afford a meal while others have fled the region to Kenya’s camps where they are registered as refugees.
Mathew Lokut, one of the residents of Sidok sub-county in Kaabong district, said the current biting hunger needs everyone to help.
“This not all about politics but it’s about saving the lives of people, we are losing lives every day to hunger,” he said.
Grace Nachap said any person either from Opposition or NRM who is able to support the starving Kaabong families is welcome.
“We want food for our people, whether food is coming from NUP, FDC, NRM or DP. But what we are after is food to save our people, ” she said.
Peter Lokut secretary LC1 of Loroyo village in Loyoro sub-county said from 2nd to 11th this month, 20 people have died from his village alone due to hunger.
“This is aggravated hunger that the Karimojong are experiencing right now,” he said.
Mr.Jino Meri the district chairperson Kaabong said the number of people who have lost their lives due to hunger in Kaabong is shocking.
“I don’t want even to talk because if I tell you the number of people who have died, of hunger in Kaabong, the country will not believe it” he said.
Ismail Mohamed, the Mayor for Moroto Municipal council and a member of National Resistance Movement -NRM said the people of Karamoja are in dire need of food relief from any well-wisher be they opposition or who.
Patrick Tikol one of the elders in Moroto town said they are not sure when government will deliver food to the people of Karamoja adding that anybody with food is welcome.
This is not the first time hunger hitting Karamoja, every year the region faces acute food shortage, but the current situation is warse.
Do you have a story in your community or an opinion to share with us: Email us at editorial@watchdoguganda.com
