By Mary Asujo
The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among has this afternoon directed government to come out with a clear short and long-term plan on how it intends to manage the hunger crisis in Karamoja as well as other areas.
“As government, we need a quick response and it should be a well coordinated approach geared towards a lasting solution to the problem not only in Karamoja sub region but also other areas of the country,” Among said.
During her communication to the House, she noted that government needs to encourage the people to engage in farming otherwise it will continue lamenting.
The Speaker added that there is need to have a disaster committee in place but up to now nothing has been done about it because the committee would be able to understand the problem and report back to the house.
“We have also seen people in drought stricken areas starving and malnourished. We need to have a coordinated approach in solving the problem in Karamoja and other parts of the country. I have heard that food has been provided for 3 months. Where do you plant food and harvest in such a short time. We need to have a disaster management committee which is stipulated in the constitution,” she added.
The Minister of State for Karamoja, Agnes Nandudu told the House that government has already flagged off food supplies to the region. She also noted that government is planning to support food production in the region.
“There has been drought and the people in Karamoja and because of insecurity people have not been able to go to gardens. The Ministry of Finance will provide tractors for the region so that we do not depend on relief ever again. The army is now helping with distribution of food” Nandutu said.