A Lifeline for Karamoja: Leaders Urge Urgent Action On Hunger Amidst Rising Malnutrition

Moroto, Uganda – May 28, 2025 – A chorus of voices, led by World Vision Uganda and a coalition of development partners, is rising from the arid plains of Karamoja, pleading with the Ugandan government to place food and nutrition security at the forefront of its agenda for the vulnerable region. This urgent appeal comes as alarming figures reveal a significant surge in malnutrition cases in Karamoja, painting a stark picture of a crisis deepening.

During a recent parliamentary gathering, Hon. Peter Lokeris, the Minister for Karamoja, standing in for the Prime Minister, underscored the pivotal role of nutrition in empowering communities. He called for a united front to equip residents with the knowledge to cultivate, choose, and prepare nourishing meals. His remarks also highlighted the enduring importance of breastfeeding, maternal well-being, and fostering agricultural practices that respect local traditions while safeguarding the environment. Minister Lokeris reaffirmed the government’s ongoing commitment through investments in food systems, thoughtful budgeting, and community-level nutrition interventions. Crucially, he emphasized the pressing need to accelerate the passage of the Food and Nutrition Bill, a legislative measure poised to enshrine every Ugandan’s fundamental right to adequate nourishment.

Adding his voice to the plea, Hon. Milton Muwuma, who chairs the Uganda Parliamentary Alliance on Food and Nutrition Security, stressed the imperative of embedding nutrition leadership firmly within local governance. He advocated for the immediate deployment and full funding of a District Nutrition Officer in every district, especially those in Karamoja, to spearhead multi-sectoral efforts.

Edward Khaukha, World Vision Uganda’s Regional Programmes Manager for Northern and Karamoja, reiterated his organization’s unwavering resolve to combat malnutrition and diet-related illnesses. Speaking under the banner of “Empowering Better Nutrition for the People,” Khaukha asserted that only through collective action can the root causes of hunger and nutritional deficiencies be effectively addressed. He drew attention to past successes born from collaborative responses to hunger emergencies across Karamoja.

Despite pockets of progress, Uganda continues to grapple with pervasive undernutrition. A staggering 26% of children under the age of five are stunted, and 2.9% suffer from wasting. In Karamoja, the situation is particularly grim, with malnutrition cases escalating by 25.7% – from 89,000 in 2023 to a sobering 112,270 in 2024. These figures underscore the critical need for robust interventions and sustainable solutions to uplift public health.

A key area demanding immediate attention is the legislative framework governing school feeding. The swift adoption of a national school feeding policy and accompanying guidelines would lay the groundwork for structured and lasting programs. Such initiatives are vital not only for improving children’s nutritional intake but also for fostering educational attainment, thereby providing a foundational safety net for vulnerable populations. Uganda’s commitments under the School Meals Coalition, including developing a comprehensive national policy, allocating dedicated funding, and establishing a multisectoral coordination committee, must be strengthened to bolster the effectiveness of these efforts nationwide.

At the local government level, the absence of dedicated district nutrition officers is a critical gap. These professionals are instrumental in orchestrating cross-sectoral nutrition endeavors, ensuring districts possess the capacity to implement tailored interventions. Therefore, the allocation of government funds to enable districts to recruit and operationalize these officers is a crucial step towards institutionalizing nutrition leadership and ensuring long-term impact.

Agricultural resilience also remains a pressing concern, especially in Karamoja and other drought-prone regions that face extended dry spells and the harsh realities of a changing climate. Expanding affirmative irrigation programs would offer enduring solutions to food production challenges, enabling communities to cultivate crops even in adverse weather conditions. Such initiatives are indispensable in mitigating the devastating effects of climate change on food availability and stability.

Ensuring the quality of school meals is another priority demanding immediate attention. A thorough review of school feeding guidelines to integrate nutritional expertise into meal planning is essential to guarantee balanced diets, thereby reducing the risks of malnutrition and diet-related illnesses. Furthermore, the formulation of national standards and regulations on food quality in schools is paramount to safeguarding students’ health. By regulating the sale of food and beverages in school cafeterias, authorities can shield learners from poor diets that contribute to long-term health complications.

Another critical element for strengthening school feeding programs is ensuring schools procure food from accredited suppliers. Implementing policies that mandate schools to source food from certified providers will uphold safety and quality standards, preventing substandard food from undermining nutritional outcomes.

Civil society organizations and development partners also play an indispensable role in bolstering government initiatives. Their active involvement in finalizing and implementing school feeding policies will complement state efforts, fostering a broad-based approach to tackling food insecurity. Through collaborative action, all stakeholders can amplify their impact and drive transformative change in nutrition and food security across Uganda.

As Uganda presses forward in its battle against hunger and malnutrition, a coordinated and sustained approach is paramount. Strategic investments in food systems, robust school feeding programs, and community-based nutrition interventions will be crucial in empowering communities and nurturing a healthier future for all. With reinforced policies, adequate funding, and collective engagement, the nation can forge a resilient food and nutrition security framework, ensuring that no child ever has to endure the pain of hunger.

World Vision Uganda remains steadfast in its commitment to working hand-in-hand with the government and all stakeholders, striving for a future where every child has access to nutritious food, enabling them to thrive and contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s progress.