Drought worsens in Karamoja region

A prolonged drought in Karamoja, a region in northeastern Uganda, has severely impacted local livelihoods and food security. This has been compounded by rising food prices and declining household incomes, increasing the need for humanitarian aid in the area.

Food insecurity numbers expected to rise

According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), the number of people in Uganda facing acute food insecurity could increase from 3.6 million to 4.4 million during the first half of 2027. This rise is linked to ongoing drought conditions and other environmental challenges.

Humanitarian funding appeal launched

On October 26, the United Nations and its humanitarian partners launched a funding appeal for $50.19 million to address the food and nutritional crisis in Uganda. The initiative aims to support 560,000 vulnerable people, including refugees and those affected by food insecurity in the Karamoja sub-region.

Response targets specific needs

The appeal includes funding for cash transfers to vulnerable households, agricultural support, livestock care, and health and nutritional services. It also covers water point rehabilitation, sanitation, child protection, and efforts to prevent gender-based violence.

Karamoja faces severe food crisis

Karamoja is among the most affected regions, with 673,000 people facing acute food insecurity between August and October 2026—the highest number recorded in the region since 2018. The situation is expected to worsen, with the IPC predicting 679,000 people affected between November 2026 and February 2027.

Nutritional needs are high

The IPC analysis indicates that 529,000 children aged 6 to 59 months and 327,700 pregnant or breastfeeding women in Uganda will require treatment for acute malnutrition between April 2026 and March 2027. This highlights the urgent need for targeted nutritional interventions.