Appeal: Karamoja food crisis

http://www.pambazuka.org/images/articles/383/48975deadsorghum.jpgSemi- arid Karamoja region in the remote North Eastern part of Uganda is made up of five districts; Moroto, Nakapiripirit, Kotido, Kaabong and Abim.

The region presents a unique geographic, developmental and humanitarian challenge to Uganda’s stability and development. The region constantly has the nation’s lowest scores in key development and humanitarian indicators. Mortality and malnutrition levels routinely surpass recognized crisis thresholds.

Over 100 people, amongst them children, the elderly, breast-feeding mothers and people living with Aids have so far died of hunger. And about 8,000 people have migrated to the neighboring districts.

The region has not won the urgent attention of enough governmental and non-governmental actors. AWARE-UGANDA, which operates in the Karamoja region would like to bring to your attention the plight of the Karamoja people as their basic right to adequate food is violated.

In addition to death, the famine is causing severe hardship and human suffering and has grave impacts on the women of Karamoja and their families. The efforts by the World Food Program in Karamoja and other parts of Northern Uganda their supply are just a drop in the ocean.

We appeal to you for assistance.

*For more details, please contact Mrs. Loumo Grace Action for Women and Awakening in Rural Environment AWARE-UGANDA at, [email][email protected] or call 256-772-516458.

*Please send comments to [email protected] or comment online at http://www.pambazuka.org