Posted on March, 12, 2019 at 09:50 am
By BRIAN B. MUKALAZI
The Karamoja region consists of seven districts in northeastern Uganda (Kaabong, Kotido, Abim, Moroto, Napak, Amudat and Nakapiripirit).
According to a report released by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in August 2018 (Issue Brief 07), “Karamoja is classified as one of the world’s poorest areas, with high rates of malnutrition and a disproportionate number (61 per cent) of its 1.2 million people living in absolute poverty”.
The region is semi-arid and experiences chronic food insecurity and estimates suggest that about 100 children aged less than five years die each week from preventable diseases related to food insufficiency.
In the recent years, the government working closely with development partners has made public investments in social, economic, human capital and physical infrastructure in the region and there has been notable progress recorded thereon.
Despite these interventions, hunger and food insecurity have remained pervasive in the region.
This, therefore, means the interventions are yet to translate into improved livelihoods for the majority of the Karimojong.
This can be partly explained by failure to address the root causes of the problem.
It is, therefore, important to critically analyse and address the root causes of the problem. Otherwise, it would be almost impossible to improve the lives of the people in the region.
Unfortunately, many of the current interventions do not address the underlying factors responsible for creating vulnerability to climatic shocks and hazards, which include the prolonged droughts and annual food shortages, which have been exacerbated by the increased sedentarisation of the Karamajong, as indicated in the Uganda Human Development Report (UHDR) of 2015.
Crop farming
More emphasis has been put on crop farming at the expense of livestock production, thereby undermining the capacity of the majority of ordinary Karimojong to cope with adversity in the harsh and fragile climate of Karamoja.
There is also limited availability of water to enhance livestock production, and water conservation for irrigation and stable crop production.
Limited access to universal health care is also another major challenge. The UNFPA 2018 report indicates that the region
has only 126 health centres, a majority (63 per cent) being HC IIs.
Whereas 86 per cent of the Ugandan population access healthcare within a 5km radius, in Karamoja, only 17 per cent of the population are within the 5km kilometre recommended distance.
Regarding sanitation, Karamoja has the lowest sanitation coverage in the whole country, with an average of less than 40 per cent and some cultural beliefs limit adoption of pit-latrines.
School enrollment
Glaring disparities and inequalities in the attainment of education are also seen in the region and it has been noted that only 0.9 per cent of children aged six to 12 years are enrolled in school.
Lack of education undermines productivity, employability and earning capacity, leading directly to poverty and hunger.
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and harmful practices to women and girls are very prevalent in the region.
The Uganda Demographic and Health Survey report (UDHS) of 2016 asserted that “Up to 53 per cent of women have experienced physical and sexual violence in Karamoja since age 15”.
GBV has a devastating impact on the agriculture sector and food security as it reduces the capacity and productivity of survivors as a result of illness, injury, stigma and discrimination.
As highlighted in the UNFPA 2018 report, there is need to focus on investments in health, education, economic opportunity and governance.
As we appreciate the equity gaps in the Karamoja region, it is important to consistently and collaboratively explore the policy priorities to achieve equity.
Leaders need to make the hard choices to meet the varying and unique levels of need and ensure pulls to the pace of human development as the rest of the country.
The writer is the
Country Director,
Every Child Ministries Uganda.
Source: Daily Monitor