Emergency food and cash assistance brings relief to vulnerable families
In mid-2026, the Karamoja region of northeastern Uganda faced one of its most severe hunger crises in recent years. Prolonged drought, depleted household food stocks, livestock diseases, and soaring temperatures pushed thousands of families into acute food insecurity.
By June 2026, 1 in 3 people in Karamoja were forced to skip meals – going to as little as one meal per day – to what is technically known as acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 and above). The hardest-hit districts included Kotido, Kaabong, Napak, Moroto, and Amudat. In July, the Ugandan government reported that at least 16 people had died from malnutrition-related illnesses in Kotido and Kaabong districts.
The drought conditions forced many households to adopt harmful coping mechanisms simply to survive. Families skipped meals, relied on wild foods, sold charcoal for income, sought risky daily labour opportunities, and in some cases withdrew children from school to work in mining areas.
Responding to urgent needs
In response to the crisis, members of the ACT Uganda Forum, including the Church of Uganda and the Rural Community Action Based Organization (RACOBAO), mobilised EURO 140,000 through the ACT Alliance Rapid Response Fund.
Working through the Dioceses of Karamoja and North Karamoja, the emergency response reached more than 2,000 of the most vulnerable people in Kotido and Napak districts.
At the same time, DanChurchAid (DCA), together with TPO Uganda (Transcultural Psychosocial Organisation), is implementing a five-month emergency cash assistance programme in Amudat district through DANIDA and DCA’s Humanitarian Crisis Fund.
From August to December 2026, 130 of the most severely affected households are receiving monthly cash transfers to help meet their food and livelihood needs. The support focuses on particularly vulnerable groups, including elderly people living alone, persons with disabilities, people living with chronic illnesses, and child-headed households.
Investing in resilience
Beyond addressing immediate needs, the programme also supports community-led solutions that strengthen resilience to future climate shocks.
Five local groups are implementing Survivor and Community-Led Response (SCLR) initiatives designed to reduce vulnerability and improve preparedness. These include integrated early warning systems and livestock health management measures, helping communities better anticipate and respond to drought and other climate-related challenges.
Restoring hope and dignity
Food insecurity is not only a humanitarian challenge. It also threatens social stability, livelihoods, and long-term development. Through coordinated humanitarian action and community-driven solutions, vulnerable families in Karamoja are receiving the support they need today while building resilience for tomorrow.