Children Die of Hunger in Uganda District

Frank Mugabi and Jackie Nambogga

2 April 2011

HUNGER has hit Luuka district, killing two children from the same family in Bulongo sub-county and leaving their mother bedridden.

The district chairperson, Samuel Kakyada, identified the deceased as Joan Kateme, 9 and Moses Bakibinga, 14, who were pupils of Nabitaama Primary School.

The children’s father, Ngobi Makwetu, is said to have disappeared from the family earlier this year. His wife, Alibaa Kanusu, 54, has been struggling to find meals for the family of seven.

“There was trouble in the family which forced the man to run away. The remaining family members sold off much of their land and remained with a small piece, which wasn’t enough for farming,” a resident said.

During the funeral, residents contributed foodstuffs to save the lives of the remaining family members.

Kakyada said famine had broken out in the district with the most affected sub-counties being Bulongo, Bukoona and Ikumbya.

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