The weather-related issues in eastern Uganda continue to create challenges for many individuals. More than 2,000 households across 10 sub-counties in the Sironko district are experiencing distress as their land has developed cracks surrounding their homes.
The district disaster management committee has confirmed these concerns, pointing to sub-counties like Bukise, Butandika, Elgon, Legenya, Masaba, and Bwalasiya among others. Residents initially noticed the cracks in various houses and gardens.
These fissures emerged after the recent heavy rainfall. Susan Nafuna, a resident of Bukirindya village in Bukisa sub-county, along with her family of seven, were among the first affected by these cracks.
“Upon spotting these cracks in my yard, I rushed to seek help from my neighbors, but unfortunately, they were facing the same situation. We understood that we were now in danger,” she explained.
Although the disaster committee in Bulambuli district mentions that an assessment is underway in these sub-counties, the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness under the Office of the Prime Minister has not yet acted.
“As the Emergency Disaster Management Committee, we conducted a physical assessment. We have taken steps to inform the Office of the Prime Minister, and they have been made aware.
These fissures have not only appeared in Bukirindya but have spread throughout the district,” stated George Wanyala, the District Chairperson of the Disaster Committee in Sironko District.
Daniel Wanyala, the LC2 Chairperson of Bukirindya sub-county, called on the government to intervene promptly to address the situation before it escalates.
Residents have now been advised to find refuge in safer locations such as schools until a final decision is made by the government.
“We have urged them to relocate from those high-risk areas and find safety with relatives who are not affected. The rainfall has intensified, and we have continually informed our community in high-risk areas to temporarily move as the government implements plans to resettle them in the Bulambutye settlement camp,” George Wanyala added.
Leaders in the area are now appealing to the government to deploy a team of experts to conduct comprehensive investigations in the mountainous region, as landslides continue to be a significant threat. However, some residents attribute the issue to the increasing population in the region.
Neighboring districts like Bulambuli have a history of severe mudslides, and previous incidents have claimed at least five lives.
It is important to note that Bulambuli district, located in the same area, experienced deadly landslides due to heavy rainfall last month, resulting in numerous fatalities while hundreds of others were reported missing by officials.
