Victims who were displaced by floods in Ntoroko District have resettled in Kanara sub-county.
In 2019, water levels at Lake Albert went up submerging shorelines displacing more than 11000 people, and flooding infrastructure. The floods forced the victims into internally displaced camps of Rwenyana, Rwangara 1 and 2, Kamuga, and Kajweka camps in Butungama sub-county.
However, four years later, the water levels have decreased forcing residents to resettle along the shorelines in Kanara Sub County.
Veronica Kasande a mother of six in Kamuga Parish says that she lost all her properties when the water submerged the sub-county forcing her to seek refuge in Rwenyana camp.
Kasande says she could not afford to continue paying 30,000 shillings rent fees for a month on private land since she has no income-generating activity.
Joseph Irumba, a resident of Kamuga parish in Kanara sub-county said after spending three years in the camp, he opted to return to his home because he could not afford to continue paying rent.
Byaruhanga Rwaheru the LCI Chairperson of Kangozibwoha village says they had identified land in Kangozibwoha village to relocate, but the failure by the government to avail funds on time has left them without an option but to return to the sub-merged area to rebuild a life.
Friday Mujungu, the Kanara III Chairperson says that many people have returned to Kanara Sub County, but lack shelter, latrines, and health services.
During a visit to Ntoroko in October 2021, Prime Minister Robina Nabbanja pledged to secure funds under the Disaster and Preparedness Ministry to purchase land to resettle the affected communities.
William Kasoro the Ntoroko LCV Chairperson says the government has several times rejected a proposal by the District Council to have at least 8 square miles of Tooro- Semuliki wild reserve gazetted to have the people in six camps relocated to a safer place which is not too far away from the Lake, since it’s their only source of livelihood.
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