Ugandan Minister, Henry Okello Oryem, Faces Backlash for Insensitive Remark About Those Suffering from Hunger

A government minister in Uganda is facing backlash for referring to people who died of hunger in the country as "idiots." Henry Okello Oryem's comments have been criticized as insensitive. According to a report by a human rights body, over 2,200 individuals died from starvation and related diseases in northeast Uganda in 2022. However, Mr. Oryem argued that Uganda's fertile land and favorable climate should enable people to grow their own food. He stated that only an idiot would die of hunger in Uganda, emphasizing that hard work and proper farming practices should guarantee food production. The report also highlights that the food shortage left almost 500,000 individuals in a state of acute hunger. The minister's remarks have sparked outrage among many, with critics saying that he lacks an understanding of the challenges faced by the country and the distribution issues related to hunger. It is important to note that the region frequently experiences food scarcity during dry seasons due to its semi-arid climate, although official data on the current food situation in Karamoja is not available.