The Karamoja subregion in North-Eastern Uganda has experienced several shocks over the years. Global crises of the past year have escalated the food security crisis in the sub region. While contending with the lasting effects of COVID-19, Uganda experienced new threats arising due to the War in Ukraine and Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak which greatly affected the subregion and overall economy.

The proportion of the population of Karamoja living in poverty has increased from 60.8 percent in 2016/17 to 65.7 percent in 2019/20, compared to the national average of 20.3 percent, according to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS). Furthermore, an estimated 84 percent of young people in Karamoja are experiencing multi-dimensional poverty.

Economic regression, food insecurity, women and youth unemployment and inequality have all resulted in the loss of lives and livelihoods in the subregion. This has created challenges for the country’s development prospects and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals