In the wake of devastating floods from Lake Albert in mid-western Uganda since 2019, over 10,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Ntoroko District have faced challenges that extend beyond displacement. However, as of October 28, 2023, there is a glimmer of hope as more than 7,000 IDPs from Kanara Sub-County have begun reconstructing their lives, spurred by receding water levels since October 2022.
Amidst adversity, these affected individuals are striving to rebuild their lives, holding on to the aspiration of attaining Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) such as clean water and sanitation for all (SDG6) and quality education (SDG4). Government promises for essential services, including access to healthcare and education, are now seen as a lifeline for a community determined to rise from the depths of despair.
While some villages near the lake shore remain partially submerged, locals have continued to reside in makeshift houses since 2019. Efforts are underway to rehabilitate crucial infrastructures, such as the Rwebisengo-Rwangara Road, severely affected by the floods. However, limited financial resources pose challenges to these endeavors.
With a funding of UGX 800 million from the Office of the Prime Minister through the disaster fund, the submerged Rwangara Health Centre III is being replaced with a newly built health facility at Kyamahigi Village in Kanara Sub-County. The district awaits the commissioning of this facility by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja.
Ntoroko District Chairman William Kasoro highlighted the district’s aim to restore roadways to submerged areas despite budget constraints. He emphasized the recovery mode in Kanara Sub-County, where schools, once submerged, are now hosting returning pupils, emphasizing the urgent need for school renovations.
In appealing to the government for a Shs6 billion allocation to support essential services in its recovery plan, Ntoroko District acknowledges ongoing UNICEF help towards flood-affected schools. Flood victims, now resettling in areas like Kataga, Kachwakumu, Rwangara, Kamuga, and parts of Masaka, express the challenges faced during the years of displacement.
Veronika Kasande, a 40-year-old mother of seven, recounts the struggles of renting land for shelter, while Joel Alimaconi reveals the impact on his fishing business. Schools such as Rwangara Primary School and Kachwamkumu Primary School have experienced a surge in returnees, while Umoja Primary School, still occupied by displaced people, faces challenges with temporary facilities.
Kanara Sub-County Chairman Friday Mugisa expressed concern over the sub-county’s failure to receive emergency funds from the government. With limited road maintenance funds, only about 6 out of 21 kilometers of sub-county roads have been maintained in the entire 2023-24 Financial Year. Kanara Sub County Speaker Eric Tusiime called for an end to fishing restrictions, highlighting the challenges faced by residents in accessing the lake, their primary livelihood.
As Ntoroko navigates the path to recovery, the community looks towards sustained support and the fulfillment of government promises to rebuild lives and restore normalcy to this resilient region.
