Ugandan gov't says over 3.5 mln people on verge of starvation

KAMPALA, May 7 (Xinhua) -- The Ugandan government on Tuesday said over 3.5 million people in several parts of the east African country are on the verge of starvation.

A government statement issued here said the affected people are in the eastern, northeastern, northern parts of the country and the cattle corridor.

The statement said that Cabinet on Monday approved the release of 40 billion shillings (about 10.8 million U.S. dollars) for emergency procurement of relief food.

The affected parts have faced a prolonged dry spell leading to crop failure and also affected animals, according to the government.