Archbishop Kaziimba roots for dedicated investments to fuel climate action in Karamoja

19 August 2026, 9:54 am

By Moses Lokeris

KARAMOJA:The outgoing Archbishop of Church of Uganda, The Most Rev Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu, has joined voices calling for long-term investments in irrigation, water harvesting, infrastructure and mechanised agriculture to enable Karamoja Sub-region shift from reliance on emergency food relief to sustainable climate resilience.  

While the Sub-region features rich, fertile soils, unpredictable rainfall and prolonged droughts frequently ruin harvests, leaving communities vulnerable to chronic hunger.

According to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report, more than 473,000 people in the Karamoja Sub-region are facing acute food insecurity with tens of thousands households already in emergency conditions.

The report ranks Kotido, Moroto, Nabilatuk, Karenga and Kaabong as the most hit districts where five percent of the population is said to be in emergency condition and 45 percent are facing the worst hunger crisis.

The hunger crisis is attributed to drought which started in late May and has since persisted, causing widespread crop failure across the region.

Its on this background the Archbishop Kaziimba, has called on the government to establish a Karamoja Climate Justice and Agricultural Transformation Initiative to unlock the region’s immense potential, while prioritizing sustainable pastoral development, irrigation, watershed restoration, climate-smart agriculture to ensure sustainable food production.

“Karamoja’s recurring hunger sits at the intersection of climate change, environmental degradation, decades of under investment, a reason the government should consider investment in long-term interventions to salvage the situation”, the Archbishop urged.  

He said that around the World, countries have shown that harsh climatic conditions do not have to condemn communities to chronic food insecurity.

The Archbishop gave an example of Israel as one of the countries that has become a global leader in dry-land agriculture through sustained investment in irrigation, water management, scientific research and innovation, calling on the government to draw lessons from countries that have turned climate constraints into Agricultural opportunity.

The Archbishop made the statement on Tuesday, August 19, 2026, while flagging off an emergency food relief distribution exercise in North Karamoja Diocese as the Church intensifies its response to the prolonged hunger crisis affecting communities in the Karamoja Sub-region.

The consignment flagged off includes 45,775 kgs of posho, 45,775 kgs of beans, 800kg of soya beans and 400kg of silver fish, targeting more than 2,000 beneficiaries affected by food insecurity.

The intervention follows a request by the Bishop of North Karamoja Diocese, the Rt Rev Simon Akol Aisu, to the Church of Uganda Board of Trustees during its meeting at Nabugabo Holiday Centre in Masaka in July.

Following the appeal, the Church of Uganda mobilised support from ACT Alliance, Dioceses, institutions, Christians and other partners to provide emergency food assistance to vulnerable households.

The Archbishop also challenged well off individuals and leaders from Karamoja sub-region to stand in solidarity with hunger stricken communities by contributing some food for them rather than waiting for external support.

Charles Ichogor, the Kotido Resident District Commissioner, who witnessed the launch of emergency food distribution on behalf of the government, appreciated the Church of Uganda and development partners for their ongoing interventions in Karamoja.

He appealed for continued support towards helping affected communities rebuild their livelihoods and strengthen their resilience.

Meanwhile Peter Abrams Irar, the mayor of Kotido Municipality, called on the Archbishop to use his influential position to advocate for the communities in Karamoja, who often struggle to have their voices heard.

Mayor Irar highlighted that when the season is favorable, the region can achieve a sustainable harvest, offering hope for better livelihoods.

His remarks reflected a growing consensus that emergency food relief should be complemented by long-term investments that strengthen resilience against recurring drought.

His message underlined the importance of support and attention to ensure these communities thrive despite the hardships they face.