CLIMATE CHANGE PUSHES OROM FAMILIES INTO POVERTY

18 October 2026, 8:00 am

By Otim Moses

Climate change has pushed households in Orom Sub-county, Chua East County, Kitgum District, into poverty following prolonged drought that has disrupted the farming season.

The concern was raised during a community baraza held on October 17, 2026, in Karakalet Parish, Orom Sub-county. The baraza was organised by Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU) in partnership with ADRA Uganda under the STRENGTH Project, which provides a safe platform for community members, local leaders, men, women, adolescents and other stakeholders to identify and respond to social and structural issues affecting household wellbeing and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR).

Community members said unpredictable rainfall has left many families without food and called for urgent government intervention.

Spyrian Okot Bildani, a resident of Oringili Village, said climate change has made it difficult for farmers to plan for the planting season, leaving the community stranded without food crops. He said elephant invasions from Kidepo Valley National Park have worsened the situation.

He appealed to government to support farmers with improved seeds and relief food, while urging the community to adapt by planting trees to conserve the environment.

Ogaba Micheal from Okeralet Village attributed rising poverty not only to climate change but also to excessive alcohol consumption in some households, which he said has fueled Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and school dropouts. He called for community sensitisation on climate change.

Omona Bosco Okot said cassava cultivation should be promoted as a drought-resistant crop to fight hunger and poverty.

Opio Jino, a retired police officer from Cam Gweng Village, said environmental degradation has contributed to poverty, noting that indiscriminate tree cutting for charcoal without replanting has destroyed forest cover.

Oyella Doris, a mother of three, said she is unable to pay school fees because she prioritises food for her children.

“I cannot pay school fees for my children since I only have to look for food for them. They cannot study when they are hungry,” she said, appealing for relief food.

Lamoya Sebirino said persons with disabilities have been ignored in climate response interventions and are struggling to access food due to the dry spell, adding that divorce cases are on the rise in the sub-county.

Hon. Ayoo Iren, the Female District Councillor for Orom, said climate change has driven elephants from the park into community gardens and forced families to sell the little food they have to pay for school fees and medical bills.

She cautioned against the sale of household food stocks for alcohol and cited laziness among some community members as a contributing factor to poverty. She urged residents to adopt solar irrigation, diversify agriculture and ensure fair distribution of relief food.

Hon. Ocen John Bosco, the District Councillor representing Orom, called on government and the district to develop international market linkages, including establishing a market at the Okuti border, and opening security access roads. He encouraged parents to prioritise education despite food shortages.

Acaye Jimmy, the LC3 Chairperson of Orom Sub-county, appealed to families not to allow poverty to fuel GBV but to seek collective solutions. He called upon UWA and the community to jointly drive elephants back into the park, plant more trees, protect indigenous tree species and promote alternative livelihoods such as beekeeping.