In the Karamoja region of Uganda, the impact of ongoing average to below-average food and livestock production over the last three years due to climate related shocks / hazards and endemic pests/diseases, coupled with a currently fragile security situation are causing widespread food insecurity. In the current analysis (April – August, 2023), which corresponds to the lean season of 2023, all the nine districts of Karamoja region are classified in IPC Phase 3 (Crisis), with 45 percent of the population analysed (582,000 people) facing high levels of acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above). An estimated 102,000 people (8% of the population analysed) are classified in IPC Phase 4 (Emergency) while 480,000 people (37% of the population analysed) are classified in IPC Phase 3 (Crisis). Of all the nine districts analysed, Kaabong district has very high levels of acute malnutrition (18%). The food security situation in the region has continued to deteriorate with the population in IPC Phase 3 or above increasing from 27 percent in June 2020, to 30 percent in April 2021, to 41 percent in April 2022 and to 45 percent in May 2023.

The deterioration in the food security situation is attributable to the continued localised insecurity that has led to loss of livestock and limited access to farmland, and low household purchasing power, among other factors. The situation is exacerbated by the effects of the below average production of 2022 main harvest. Households facing high levels of acute food insecurity currently have large food consumption gaps with a minimal capacity to meet their minimum food consumption requirements. Employment of coping strategies is being limited by the increasing levels of destitution. The current situation depicts a lack of appropriate and feasible actions being undertaken to address acute food insecurity and inadequate food consumption in the region.

It is anticipated that the food security situation will slightly improve in the projection period (September 2023 – February 2024), with the population in IPC Phase 3 or above reducing from 582,000 people (45%) to 342,000 (27%). About 48,000 people (4% of the population analysed) will be in IPC Phase 4 (Emergency) and 293,000 people (23% of the population analysed) will be in IPC Phase 3 (Crisis). The districts of Abim, Amudat, Karenga and Nakapiripirit are projected to improve from IPC Phase 3 (Crisis) to Phase 2 (Stressed), whereas the rest will remain in IPC Phase 3 (Crisis) through the projection period.

• Urgently provide food and livelihood assistance to the populations in IPC Phase 3 (Crisis) and Phase 4 (Emergency) to save lives and livelihoods.
• As a matter of urgency, activate the lean season response planning platform and meetings, that should involve all stakeholders. Additionally, activate partnerships for lean season planning, lobbying, coordinating and resource mobilization.
• Improve security of people and livestock to open up livelihood opportunities and trade, but at the same time reducing negative speculation among the communities.
• Invest in post-harvest management to reduce losses and support households to keep food stocks through the lean season.
• Enhance agricultural extension services with farmer training on modern agronomic practices, including climate smart agriculture technologies, to reduce impact of water logging, flash floods, pest infestation and dry spells.
• Put in place a comprehensive livestock disease and vector monitoring and management plan to control diseases and vectors.