The worsening hunger situation in Uganda’s Karamoja sub-region has drawn sharp concern from Uganda Law Society (ULS) President Isaac Ssemakadde, who is now calling for immediate and decisive government action.
Ssemakadde painted a grim picture of a region grappling with severe food shortages, saying the crisis is steadily pushing vulnerable communities, especially children, to the brink.
He linked the situation to months of failed rains that have left crops destroyed and livestock wiped out, cutting off key sources of livelihood.
“Karamoja is bleeding—not from bullets, but from hunger,” he said, warning that the effects are already visible across households where food supplies have run dry.
The ULS president pointed to growing malnutrition levels among children, noting that many are wasting away as families struggle to cope with prolonged drought conditions.
He referenced figures—741, 472, and 263—to underline the scale of the crisis, stressing that behind the data are real people facing daily survival challenges.
Ssemakadde dismissed the notion that the situation is purely a result of natural causes, instead framing it as a failure of leadership and response.
“This is not a natural disaster. This is a governance emergency,” he said, questioning whether enough is being done to contain the crisis.
Karamoja has for years remained one of Uganda’s most food-insecure regions, with recurring drought, poverty, and limited infrastructure compounding vulnerability.
However, recent conditions have intensified pressure on already fragile communities, raising fears of a deeper humanitarian emergency if interventions are delayed.
Humanitarian agencies have previously warned about rising hunger levels in the region, particularly during prolonged dry spells, but concerns persist over the speed and scale of response.
Ssemakadde is now urging both government and aid agencies to act without delay, calling for a coordinated effort to deliver food and support affected families.
“We cannot afford to wait for another report. Lives are already at risk,” he said.
He maintained that beyond emergency relief, there is need for long-term strategies to address food insecurity and build resilience in Karamoja.
“Karamoja is Uganda, and Uganda must take responsibility for its people,” he added.