The State Minister for Relief and Disaster Preparedness, Musa Ecweru, says seven million Ugandans are at the risk of starvation.
As reported, the minister urges that the long dry spell rages on in over 50 districts, which has forced many people to leave their homes in search of food and water.
Affected districts include Karamoja, Teso, Bukedi, West Nile and most districts along the Cattle Corridor.
“The situation has been worsened by corrupt officials who turn a blind eye to environmental degradation,” He adds.
His statement follows comments by Hon Christopher Kibazanga, the State Minister for Agriculture, who said last week that the first season rains for this year 2016, which normally begin during the month of March, were more than three weeks late and below average in the North-Western, Central and Eastern parts of the Country.
Hon Christopher Kibazanga however put the numbers at 1,300,000 people.
“The total population in need of urgent relief food, as of now stands at about 1,300,000 people (the sub-regions of Karamoja, Teso, Lango, Acholi, Bukedi, West Nile, parts of Busoga and some districts along the Cattle Corridor).” Hon Christopher stated during a press conference on the Food security situation in Uganda..
Reported statistics.
25% of the population in Isingiro District are in an emergency phase of food insecurity; meaning they access half a meal or nothing at all in a day.
65% of the population in Karamoja subregion are in a crisis phase of food insecurity; meaning they access one meal or half a meal in a day.
35% of the population in the districts of Katakwi, Amuria, Kumi, Bukedea, parts of Serere and Kaberamaido are in the same phase with Karamoja subregion (crisis); meaning they access one meal or half a meal in a day.
