At least 16 people have died of hunger in Uganda’s northeastern Karamoja region in recent weeks, according to the government. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja said her office will seek cabinet approval on Monday to secure additional food supplies for the affected areas. Once approved, more grain will be purchased and distributed urgently to communities in need.

Local farmers reported that since April, when the planting season usually begins, the region has received little to no rainfall. The lack of rain has dried up large fields of maize, sorghum, and soybeans, destroying hopes of a good harvest and worsening food shortages. Experts say recurring food crises in Karamoja are driven by climate change, erratic rainfall, deforestation, overgrazing, and crop diseases.

The government has already begun distributing emergency food aid. Specialists have urged investment in better weather forecasting, irrigation systems, and the development and expansion of drought-resistant crop varieties to reduce future risks.