Farmers in Masaka district are counting the heavy toll of a relentless four‑month drought that has left fields barren and food supplies dwindling. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, rainfall in the region has fallen 78% below average, causing the failure of staple crops such as maize, beans, and sweet potatoes. Local farmer Joseph Kintu estimates his losses at over 30,000 Ugandan shillings, and many families are now dependent on emergency food aid. Aid agencies have appealed for additional funding to distribute drought‑resistant seed varieties and to drill new boreholes, while the government promises to expedite the release of a drought relief package in the coming weeks.
On top of everything as it happens