Last week, heavy rainfall caused devastating mudslides in Kasese and Bunyangabu Districts in Western Uganda.
The mudslides have resulted into the tragic death of 7 people and displaced hundred from their homes.
The mudslide was caused by heavy rainfall over four hours, which caused River to overflow and sweep away people ‘s homes. The victims were mostly women and children. Four women from the same family in Bunyangabu’s Buruma village Katebwa Subcounty lost their lives when their house was completely buried by mudslide.
However, 2 weeks ago, heavy rains and hailstorm devastated the people of Kituntu Subcounty and Kayabwe Town Council all in Mpigi District, where two children from the same household lost their lives as a result of the heavy rains and hailstorm that blew off rooftop of the house.
Equally, in Kalungu District, two weeks ago, heavy rains destroyed people’s houses, several acres of farm land leaving several crop gardens submerged and roads and bridges were washed away. Areas that were affected are; Nabutongwa, Lwabenge, Lukaya Town Council among others.
In Dokolo District, two weeks ago, torrential rains, coupled with the high rising levels of water from Lake Kwania are causing havoc in subcounties of Adeknino, Kwera,Kanga,Okwongdul and Agwata Town Councils where hundreds of people living on shores of Lake Kwania were displaced by floods. Some roads in the area are impassable while many people have abandoned their farm land.
We in the FDC commiserate with the families of Ugandans who were affected expecially those who lost their lives in the countrywide mudslide.
We are concerned with the way the Government is handling the recent floods in different parts of the country.
The government through the Office of of Prime Minister being slow to respond to the disaster and failing to provide adequate support to affected communities. The government’s response to the floods has been inadequate and ineffective and that the President M7’s government has been “missing in action” during the crisis.
We believe that the government is not doing enough to prevent the floods, despite warnings from meteorologists and other experts.
This comes as thousands of people have been displaced and hundreds of homes destroyed by the floods, food crops and plantations gardens submerged which have also caused significant damage to infrastructure while The government has been very slow in providing relief supplies and assistance to affected communities, leading to frustration and anger among many affected areas.
Floods in the lowlands of Uganda are often caused by a combination of factors, including:
- Heavy rainfall: Uganda’s tropical climate means it experiences heavy rainfall, especially during the wet season (March to May and August to November).
- El Niño events: Uganda is affected by El Niño events, which can bring heavier-than-usual rainfall.
- Lake Victoria’s water levels: When Lake Victoria’s water levels rise, it can lead to flooding in the surrounding lowlands.
- River overflows: Overflowing rivers, such as the Nile, can cause flooding in nearby areas.
- Land degradation: Deforestation, soil erosion, and wetland degradation can increase the risk of flooding.
- Urbanization: Rapid urbanization can lead to inadequate drainage systems, increasing the risk of flooding.
FDC believes, Government must prioritise the plight of Ugandans who were affected and also put I place measures to mitigate floods in Uganda’s lowlands while considering the following strategies:
- Watershed management: Protect and restore wetlands, forests, and water sources to reduce runoff and absorb excess water.
- Flood-resistant infrastructure: Build flood-resistant homes, roads, and bridges to minimize damage.
- Early warning systems: Establish effective early warning systems to alert communities of impending floods.
- Drainage systems: Improve drainage infrastructure in urban areas to reduce flooding.
- Climate-smart agriculture: Promote farming practices that adapt to changing weather patterns and reduce soil erosion.
- Community education: Raise awareness among communities on flood risk reduction and management.
- Government policies: Encourage government policies that prioritize flood risk management and climate change adaptation.
We in the FDC think that by Implementing these measures can help reduce the impact of floods in Uganda’s lowlands and protect communities and ecosystems.
We ask Government to provide emergency aid to the affected people.