Jane Nafula
27 February 2008
Katakwi — MOST families that were hit by the recent floods in Teso are starving, Katakwi District Chairman John Robert Ekongot has said.
Mr Ekongot said the government, relief agencies and other partners should give more support to these families and avert the looming famine in the affected areas.
A total of 300,000 people from 50,000 households were affected by the floods that hit Teso, Lango, and some parts of Karamoja sub-region late last year. The floods also claimed 18 people.
"We thank you for the support you gave us during the floods but most households have run out of food and we appeal to you to double your efforts," he said.
"The hope which these people have is the next harvest which is many months away f." Mr Ekongot was addressing residents at the launch of a Hunger Free Campaign by Actionaid International Uganda in Katakwi last Thursday.
The Hunger Free campaign is part of a global programme launched in over 30 countries, mostly in Africa and Asia.
It aims to raise the profile of hunger related policy issues like access to land by women, market access for small-scale farmers, and access to inputs like seeds.
Mr Ekongot said during the three months of floods, the district lost property and foodstuff worth Shs 25 billion. About 80 per cent of the harvest and livestock were destroyed.
The Director of Partnership Development at Actionaid International Uganda, Ms Delphine Mugisha, stressed the need for revitalising political will to support the eradication of hunger among households.
Ms Mugisha said the major cause of hunger was poverty. It is estimated that a bout 8.4 million Ugandans now live in poverty.
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