(Bulambuli ) – Following devastating mudslides in Bulambuli district, officials are warning of additional dangers as significant cracks have been identified in the area.
Lilian Aber, the state minister for disaster preparedness, visited Bulambuli on Thursday to assess the destruction caused by mudslides that occurred last Sunday after heavy rainfall. The affected villages include Kifudu, Kikuyu, Nakitembeti, Nambekye, Lukungu, Kikolo West, and Mapeera, all situated in Namisuni sub-county.
During her visit, Aber highlighted the seriousness of the situation, noting that many homes have been destroyed and domestic animals remain buried in the debris. She expressed concern over the newly formed cracks in the surrounding rocks, which pose a threat of future landslides. “What is scarier right now is the fact that we have seen more cracks dangling over more villages and that only means that another landslide could occur,” she stated.
Aber emphasized the urgent need for action, calling on local leaders to enhance community awareness about disaster risks. She instructed them to inform residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate their homes immediately. Those displaced can seek refuge at temporary shelters or stay with relatives in safer locations.
In her remarks, Aber recognized the efforts of a local resident, Grace Nelima, who alerted her neighbors to the impending danger before the mudslides occurred. “Her actions saved not only lives, but also the government and private sector a lot of money in compensations or helping the aggrieved families meet burial expenses,” Aber said, calling Nelima an “unsung hero.”
During her engagement with displaced residents at the Namisuni sub-county headquarters, Aber distributed relief items. However, Annet Nandudu, the Bulambuli LC5 chairperson, voiced frustration over the government’s disaster management approach. She pointed out that Bulambuli receives minimal support from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), despite being one of the most disaster-prone areas in the Mount Elgon region. Nandudu insisted that while relief items are necessary, they are not a long-term solution.
“Relief items are handy but should never be seen as a sustainable solution,” she stated. “We should stop hoodwinking our people and serve them the right way.” Nandudu highlighted the need for a permanent relocation plan for residents living in disaster-prone zones.
Bulambuli has a history of suffering from natural disasters, including floods and landslides. In July 2023, several sub-counties faced severe impacts, with school children among the victims and around 500 people displaced. Previous disasters have also resulted in fatalities and widespread homelessness in the area.
The government has previously relocated thousands of people from Bududa district and surrounding areas due to similar disasters. Other regions in Uganda, such as Teso and Bukedi, also experience climatic challenges, including flooding and drought.
