An international Non Governmental organization (NGO) operating in Uganda, BRAC Uganda has rolled out its health and agricultural programs to the conflict and poverty infested North – Eastern Uganda region of Karamoja. According to BRAC, the programs will target the extremely poor and women.

The health program aims at reducing the vulnerability of the ultra poor to common communicable and infectious diseases such as malaria, diahorea, intestine worms, skin diseases, eye infections, HIV/AIDS, reducing on mortality and morbidity and empowering the beneficiaries to engage in income generating activities

A Karimojong woman

The agricultural program will help give support to the poor to enhance the status of food security at household level through training in agricultural practices, provision of seeds, animal breeds and other agricultural inputs.

The semi-arid Karamoja region remains a pre-dominantly nomadic pastoralist community. The region continuously faces starvation as a result of draught and poor agricultural practices. Many people continue to depend on food handouts from the Uganda government and the World Food Programme (WFP).

To help improve the food security situation, the Uganda government with support from civil society organizations and donor agencies recently introduced draught resistant crops.

According to BRAC, a team of extension workers will be recruited and trained to work with farmers. The program will help to increase agricultural programs, create employment and improve the incomes of women.

The project will put smiles on the faces of many Karamojongs who remain the poorest and most marginalized Sub-region of Uganda. The region continues to suffer from natural calamities and widespread insecurity caused by cattle rustling.

By Solomon Akugizibwe, Ultimate Media