A number of Ugandans in Karamoja are starving
The high prices of food in Uganda’s northeastern region have forced many families there to resort to living on alcoholic gin sold in sachets or sold directly in tumblers.
With no idea of its impact on human health, the mainly Karimojong community has resorted to surviving on the deadly waragi, arguing that it is cheaper than food in shops and markets.
The cost of a kilogram of maize flour in Moroto has over the last three weeks risen to 4,400 Shillings up from 3,300, while a kilogram of beans has also risen to 4,500 Shillings from 4,000. A kilogram of Rice goes for 5,200, up from 4,000 Shillings.
This according to the locals in the region, is very expensive compared to one sachet of waragi which costs them 500 Shillings. The area experienced total crop failure in last year’s planting season.
Peter Akorio, a parent of six children said feeding kids has become difficult due to high food prices. He said he now gives his kids two sachets of alcohol to share just to enable them to sleep and forget the feeling of hunger while on lucky days when he by chance gets about 1,500 shillings, he uses it for buying brewing residue from women who make the local brew in the town, for the family to chew. The residue also makes them high and they forget the pangs of hunger.
Jacinta Nangiro a mother of five kids and a resident of Kambis village in Nadunget sub-county in Moroto district said the trees where most families used to go and collect leaves to cook for children have become difficult to access due to insecurity.
“Getting money is difficult now, food prices are too high, we cannot afford, it is only alcohol which is somehow cheaper that someone can buy, take it, become drunk and sleep without being disturbed,” she said.
Ms Nangiro added that most mothers now give alcohol to young kids so that the kids continue sleeping without crying and disturbing them with food that is not there.
Betty Lokeris a village health team member in Moroto said mothers who recently gave birth are finding it difficult to breastfeed their newborn babies. “The truth is there is starvation in the region and it’s not only in Moroto but also the entire region,” she said.
Vincent Emuron, a health official from Moroto, says alcohol has deformed many people in the district.
John Lote a produce dealer attributed the high prices of the food to logistical difficulties n getting it. He said the regions such as Sebei, Bugisu, Teso and Lango that used to supply food to Karamoja are also experiencing serious food shortages caused by last year’s total crop failure.
-URN
