Famine Early Warning Systems Network

Rainfall has been above average in March and April (Figure 1). In southern Uganda and Karamoja, heavy rainfall has disrupted some agricultural activities, and incidences of flooding and water logging have been reported in Rubanda, Butaleja, Napak, Kyegegwa and Mbarara. However, these events are isolated and have not had widespread negative impacts. Pasture and water availability are above average in most areas and it is expected that livestock productivity is above normal, based on the decline of milk prices at a faster rate than the average seasonal trend.

Across Uganda, agricultural labor opportunities are available at normal levels. In bimodal areas, where the season starts earlier than in Karamoja, most crops are between the germination and early vegetative stages, though some farmers are still planting. In Karamoja, planting is ongoing. Rapid field visits conducted by FEWS NET in April confirmed the presence of Fall Armyworm (FAW) on maize crops in several districts including Jinja, Mbale, Soroti, Dokolo, Lira, Gulu, Kiryandondo, Masindi, Hoima, Kasese, Luwero, Wakiso, and Mbarara. However, in the areas assessed, the impact of FAW was minimal and perceived by farmers to be lower than last season, due primarily to the heavy rainfall. There are localized exceptions, such as Luwero and Wakiso districts, where the impact is more significant.

Staple food prices have been stable in recent months, or have increased seasonally. Prices remain slightly above the five-year average, though lower than last year. In bimodal areas, where agricultural labor is the key source of income among poor households, daily wage rates are between 4,000-8,000 UGX and households are likely working 2 to 3 days a week. At current prices, it is expected most poor households can purchase around 50 kilograms of cereal a month with the income earned from agricultural labor. This would meets roughly 50 percent of the kilocalorie requirements of a household of seven. Households are also consuming stocks from last season, wild foods, and livestock products. With these sources of food, it is expected most poor households are able to meet their basic food needs and Minimal (IPC Phase 1) acute food insecurity exists.

In Karamoja, some poor households are accessing labor, though the sale of firewood/charcoal remains the key source of income. Based on current firewood/charcoal prices and the number of bundles typically sold, it is estimated that households are earning around 15,000-30,000 UGX a month. This income would purchase 15-30 kilograms of cereal per month, meeting about 20 percent of a households’ kilocalorie needs. Household are also earning income from casual labor and consuming wild foods and game meat. Despite this, due to seasonally-low income and seasonally high prices, most poor households are unable to afford all basic food and non-food needs. Key informants in the area indicates most poor households are consuming 1 to 2 meals a day, are relying on borrowing to access food, and are occasionally reducing the quantity of food consumed. Stressed (IPC Phase 2) outcomes persist.

The influx of refugees from South Sudan and the DRC continues. In March, an average of 208 people per day fled to Uganda from South Sudan, and 683 people from DRC. The influx from DRC via Lake Albert has recently slowed, reportedly due to movement restrictions in Ituri and bad weather on Lake Albert. However, arrivals via other crossings continue, and 21,617 people arrived in March compared to 12,338 in February and 13,442 in January. Kyangwali refugee settlement in Hoima, where newly arrived refugees from the DRC are currently residing, has reached maximum capacity. Plans are underway to identify the site of a new settlement in Madi Okollo, Arua district. The cholera outbreak among Congolese refugees in Hoima District persists and as of April 17, 2,095 cases, including 44 deaths, have been registered. Refugees in all camps continue to receive humanitarian assistance and are likely Stressed (IPC Phase 2!).