BY BOY FIDEL LEON
In Kasese District, River Nyamwamba has once again bursts its banks causing devastating floods which have displaced hundreds of locals and their property.
The heavy rains in the Rwenzori region have caused the river to swell and burst its banks, leading to the displacement of people living in the area.
Schools have been closed and people have started relocation after the floods hit the banks. Police in Kasese rescued two employees of Kilembe Mines Ltd and a resident of Kasese Municipality from drowning in Nyamwamba on Thursday, as the river swelled and burst its banks again.
Mr John Cliff Wamala, the Deputy Spokesperson, Red Cross Uganda said that the flooding has caused untold damage to property and infrastructure in the area, disrupting the lives of many locals especially the Kilembe road has been cut off at Namuhuga Junction.
“The Uganda Red Cross Society has been working to provide assistance to those affected by the flood. “Our Red Cross action team members are working together with the local authorities, the district disaster management committee and others are already alerting communities more so those at risk, those along the water ways and those in urban centers to evacuate and look for safety elsewhere,” Mr Wamala said.
Flooding is a recurring problem in the area, and many residents have expressed frustration with the lack of action taken by the government to address the problem.
For instance in March 2010, Nyamwamba River overflowed its banks, causing flooding in the town of Kilembe and surrounding areas. At least 100 people were killed, and many homes and businesses were destroyed.
In May 2013, Nyamwamba River flooded again, causing significant damage to infrastructure and property in Kilembe and the surrounding areas killing at least 10 people and many more were displaced from their homes.
In May 2020: The Nyamwamba River overflowed its banks once again, causing flooding and landslides in Kilembe and the surrounding areas. At least 5 people were reported dead, and many homes and businesses were destroyed.
In recent years, the government has taken steps to build flood control infrastructure and relocate residents living in flood-prone areas. However, the problem persists, and more needs to be done to address the root causes of the issue.
The flooding has also disrupted the local economy, particularly the agriculture sector, which is a major source of income for many people in the area. The floods have destroyed crops, livestock, and other agricultural assets, leaving many farmers struggling to make ends meet.
The recent floods have once again highlighted the urgent need for action to prevent future flooding and to provide support to those affected by the disaster.
In the meantime, the Uganda Red Cross Society and other humanitarian organizations will continue to provide assistance to those affected by the floods, through this difficult time.
