Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-04-04 16:23:52
Floods have wreaked havoc in Butaleja District in the eastern region, resulting in the death of one person and displacing several households. The heavy rains that have been pounding the area for the last three days triggered the floods, destroying property and crops worth millions of shillings in various Sub-counties including Himutu, Butaleja, Mazimasa, and Butaleja town council.
The flooding forced rivers like Nakwasi and Manafwa to overflow, cutting off Mbale-Butaleja road and causing hundreds of residents to be displaced. One person, a resident of Bugombe Village in Himutu Sub-County, lost their life while trying to cross Nakwasi Bridge. Travelers, including school children, were left stranded at Nakwasi and Manafwa bridges, prompting local leaders to set up temporary camps for the affected residents at Namulo Primary school and Nampologoma trading center.
Mr. Tom Wandera, the Butaleja District Environment officer, confirmed the death and mentioned that the floods caused significant damage to crops, rice milling machines, and other properties. The floods also led to the closure of schools such as Namulo, Bugombe, Leresi, Doho, Kanyenya, and Nakwasi seed secondary school due to the safety risks posed by the floods.
The continuous flooding in the district was attributed to poor cultivation practices and environmental degradation by Mr. Wandera. To mitigate future risks, people in vulnerable areas were urged to relocate to safer places. The head teacher of Doho Primary school, Mr. Abdu Shema Swamadu, mentioned that they had to temporarily close the school due to the floods.
Residents like Mr. Ismail Hasahya highlighted the challenges faced due to the floods, including increased transportation costs and limited access to essential services like education and health facilities. The police were deployed at the Nakwasi Bridge and Manafwa bridges to control the movement of people along the road that was cut off by the floods.
District chairman Mr. Michael Higenyi Bory emphasized the importance of implementing better farming methods and the construction of water reservoirs to mitigate the impact of future floods. District officials pointed out that the floodwater originates from the Mt Elgon region and flows down to Butaleja District due to its low altitude.
In conclusion, the devastating floods in Butaleja District have resulted in significant loss of life and property, displacing families and disrupting essential services. Urgent interventions are needed to assist the affected residents and prevent such disasters from recurring in the future. Local authorities, residents, and government agencies must work together to address the root causes of flooding and implement sustainable solutions for the community’s safety and well-being.
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