The survivors of the Bulambuli landslides have made specific appeals through Inzuyamasaba to ensure that essential human needs and amenities are provided to them.
Over 2,000 new arrivals displaced by the infamous Bulago landslides, which claimed the lives of approximately 100 people, are in urgent need of assistance.
Today, the Inzuyamasaba officials were in Bulambuli to assess the state of the cultural sites and devise strategies for appealing to the Bamasaba community both in Uganda and the diaspora, as well as to the international community, to support the government’s efforts on the ground through the Inzuyamasaba under Umukuka III, Jude Mike Mudoma, before the end of the week.
The landslide survivors outlined what they have already been provided by the Government of Uganda, particularly expressing gratitude for burial assistance and food support, including posho, beans, and porridge.
However, like Oliver Twist, they have asked for additional assistance if they are to live a decent life.
The survivors presented a list of critical items that are lacking for their sustenance, including sanitary pads, blankets, mattresses, firewood, mosquito nets, soap, basins, clothes, and tents.
In response to the landslides, the Umukuka III of the Inzuyamasaba cultural institution, His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, has constituted a committee led by the Minister for Disaster Management in Inzuyamasaba to spearhead mobilization efforts.
Other members of the committee, which was put in place by the cultural leader, include Hon. Priscilla Mungoma, Hon. Samuel Watulatsu, Hon. Kalid Mansa, Hon. Irene Khainza, and the spokesperson for Inzuyamasaba.
The displaced people are many, and both the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Bulambuli, Mr. Emmy Olaboro, and the District Chairperson, Hon. Nandudu Annet, collectively expressed their appreciation to the Government and donors such as Oxfam, UNICEF, CRS, and Karitas for their timely intervention. However, they emphasized that there is still much to be done, stating, “We are not yet out of the woods.”
The Umukuka has mandated the Woboya Committee to reach out to the Bamasaba people in both Uganda and Kenya, as well as to the diaspora community in countries such as South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The committee will be chaired by Hon. Michael Materesi for South Africa, Hon. Prof. Florence Wakoko for the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Bulambuli is home to many victims of disasters, including those from Bududa, Namisindwa, and now Bulambuli Upper, where the government is housing and feeding the displaced individuals. The Umukuka III commended the government for the support it has provided to the Bamasaba people affected by disasters.
Inzuyamasaba officials also appealed to the landslide survivors to ensure the safety of young girls, particularly from potential harm by older boys in the camps. “We don’t want pregnancies here; we are not here for leisure,” they stressed.
Steven Masiga is the spokesperson for Inzu ya masaba.
