Karamoja, a sub-region in Uganda, faces a growing crisis as climate change intensifies, jeopardizing the lives and livelihoods of its inhabitants. The rising temperatures are causing prolonged drought conditions,exacerbating existing vulnerabilities.

As the drought season approaches (October to March), stakeholders are being urged to implement strategies to mitigate the impending risks.Nakalembe (2018) has previously noted the climate change challenges in the Karamoja subregion, defining climate change in the region as the fluctuating temperatures leading to drought.

Those familiar with Karamoja during October to March can confirm the harsh reality of meteorological, agricultural, hydrological, and socioeconomic drought (Nakalembe, 2018). Droughts decimate agricultural livelihoods, resulting in livestock losses, severe food shortages, and the breakdown of household and social structures (Mukisa et al., 2023). Studies also indicate that climate change pushes teenage girls to migrate to districts like iganga and Jinja for survival through menial labour (gray & Sundal, 2017).

A study by Musubiika (2017) titled “Behind the Scenes of Street Begging” highlights the migration of women and children from karamoja to Kampala to escape recurring droughts, famine, and suffering. Sundal, as cited in Musubiika (2017), notes that these migrants, particularly girls and women, often resort to begging, domestic work, and other forms of labor, frequently facing underpayment or non-payment. Furthermore, Karimojong migrants sometimes experience discrimination and hostility.Haug (2014), in the Karamoja study “Leaving Drought and Hunger Behind,” emphasizes that despite interventions, the people of Karamoja remain extremely vulnerable to climate change.

urgent Need for Protective Measures

The critical question is: what steps can be taken to shield the Karimojong people from drought vulnerabilities and risks? wisner et al., (1994) proposed that vulnerability and lack of resilience are key factors in natural disaster risk. Stakeholders involved in climate change initiatives in Karamoja are being asked what actions can be implemented to lessen the risks and vulnerabilities associated with the upcoming drought season.

“Drought not only devastates agricultural livelihoods and lead to the loss of livestock but also results in severe food shortages, and the collapse of household and social structures”