During the current period (April–July 2026), approximately 473,000 people (32 percent of the analysed population) in Uganda's Karamoja region are facing high levels of acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above), including 41,000 people in IPC Phase 4 (Emergency) and 432,000 in IPC Phase 3 (Crisis). All nine districts in Karamoja are classified in IPC Phase 3, with the most severe conditions observed in Kaabong, Kotido, Karenga, Moroto and Nabilatuk, where up to 5 percent of the population is in Emergency and as many as 45 percent of the population face Crisis or worse (IPC Phase 3 or above) outcomes.

Compared to the same period last year, the situation has moderately deteriorated, with a 2 percentage point increase in the population facing IPC Phase 3 or above, driven by climatic shocks, below-average food and livestock production, pest and disease outbreaks, and high food prices.

The food security situation is projected to seasonally improve between August 2026 and February 2027, with the population in IPC Phase 3 or above expected to decrease to 352,000 people (24 percent of the analysed population), and no populations projected in IPC Phase 4. However, food insecurity will remain structurally persistent, particularly in Kaabong, Kotido, Karenga and Moroto, where between 25 and 35 percent of households are still expected to face Crisis-level outcomes.

• Provide food and livelihood assistance to households in IPC Phases 3 and 4. 
• Vaccinate livestock against common livestock diseases, especially foot and mouth disease, to ensure livestock farmers have a fall back in case of below-average crop performance.
• Introduce programs aimed at reducing human wildlife conflict in the districts neighboring national parks.
• Invest in post-harvest handling and management to ensure harvests are preserved for future use to support households to keep enough food stocks.
• Establish mechanisms to monitor crop performance trends through conducting mid-season crop surveys to gather relevant information for understanding the crop trend as well as any risks that may have a negative bearing on food situations.
• Local government at the district level continues to mobilise people to enroll in government programs like Parish Development Model (PDM), Labour Intensive Public Works (NUSAF 4) and Climate Smart Agriculture.
• Government and partners should identify structural challenges leading to recurrent food insecurity in Karamoja, for example, conduct an IPC analysis that evaluates protracted food insecurity conditions.