By Richard Onapatum
Kotido, Uganda – As hunger looms in Kotido district, residents are fleeing to neighbouring districts in search of food, seeking refuge from the devastating effects of crop losses, climate change, and environmental degradation.
Hon. Margaret Aleper Achilla, the Woman MP of Kotido, has made an impassioned appeal to her constituents to refrain from migrating to nearby districts, urging leaders to send reports on the migration of residents so that a solution can be found.
The hunger crisis in Kotido has been exacerbated by factors such as crop losses due to marauding elephants and stray wild animals, climate change, and environmental degradation. The crisis has led to widespread poverty, inequality, and limited access to education and job opportunities.
As a result, many families are struggling to access nutritious food, leading to malnutrition and other health problems. The situation is particularly dire for vulnerable populations, including women, children, and refugees.
In response to the crisis, Hon. Aleper Achilla has emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of hunger and migration in the region.
“We need to work together to find a solution to this crisis,” Hon. Aleper Achilla said. “I urge our leaders to send reports on the migration of our residents so that we can understand the scope of the problem and find a way to address it.”
RDC Ichogor Charles, who also attended the meeting, noted that the government is aware of the situation and is working to provide relief. “We are doing everything possible to address the hunger crisis in Kotido,” RDC Ichogor said. “We urge our residents to stay calm and work with us to find a solution.”
The MP’s appeal is timely, given the district’s history of migration in search of better opportunities. However, with the hunger crisis looming, it is crucial that the community stays and works together to find solutions.
Hon. Aleper Achilla has been at the forefront of efforts to support her constituents, previously awarding mattresses to PLE first graders, sponsoring students, supporting women groups, donating iron sheets and supporting the youth in Kotido. Her commitment to the community’s well-being is evident in her appeal, and it is hoped that her constituents will heed her call to stay and work together.
The situation in Kotido is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many rural communities in Uganda. As the country grapples with issues such as food security and poverty, it is essential that leaders like Hon. Aleper Achilla continue to advocate for their constituents and work towards finding sustainable solutions.
Community Reaction
Some residents have already begun migrating to nearby districts in search of food, with at least 200 people leaving Kotido since Wednesday, mainly women and children seeking casual jobs.
Others have expressed concerns about the lack of emergency food relief and alternative sources of income, warning that it’s only a matter of time before the situation becomes catastrophic.
The community is looking to leaders like Hon. Aleper Achilla and RDC Ichogor to advocate for their needs and work towards finding sustainable solutions to the hunger crisis.
As one community member noted, “We hope that our leaders will take our concerns seriously and work towards finding a solution to this crisis.”