Uganda is facing a worsening food crisis in the Karamoja sub-region after prolonged drought triggered widespread crop failures, severe food shortages and at least 16 reported hunger-related deaths.

Footage captured on Monday shows Karamoja locals burying a victim in a stone-covered grave. The video lays bare the food shortages and failed crops, with bleak scenes of daily life amid the crisis.

"One of my daughters passed on, and right now I am hungry. I don't know whether we will survive, and I am waiting to die because of hunger," said Loru Alice, a local.

Residents reported months without rain had wiped out crops, leaving many families without food or income.

"I've lost all hope," expressed farmer Manang Mariko. "The only hope I have is to wait for hunger to kill me because I can't beg for food from the neighbourhood. We are all in the same state."

Lokongo Paulina Peter, Secretary of the Karamoja Regional Disaster Committee, said the drought began in May, affecting 4,078 households and more than 4,010 acres of farmland in one sub-county alone.

"The main effect right now is food shortage... nothing has grown, and this is causing deaths in some families, while others have nothing to eat," Peter explained.

Ugandan authorities confirmed emergency food is being distributed to the worst-affected districts, with more aid being prepared as conditions deteriorate.