The recent landslide in Kimono Village, Buluganya Sub-county, Bulambuli District, which occurred on November 27, 2024 has buried over 45 homes, prompting urgent government response plans to rescue affected individuals.
The situation reflects ongoing challenges in Uganda regarding landslide management and disaster preparedness.
During a phone interview with our Nexus Media Reporter, Richard Namukono, the Local Council three (LC3) of Buluganya sub-county on November 28, 2024, he said that the government has mobilized resources to conduct rescue operations for those trapped under the wreckages, such as deployment of emergency services, relocation and local volunteers to search for survivors and provide immediate assistance to displaced families.
Namukono highlighted that currently 14 dead bodies have been recovered while 111 bodies still trapped and the number of visitors who could have visited the area is still unknown. Among the 14 recovered bodies include LC 1 (Paul Magomu) with his family of three.
“The situation caused by these floods has shattered the whole area including the person who would have give us more information. Roads have been cut off hindering government officials from reaching,” Namukono said.
He added that, on the ground is Uganda Red cross society, LC 5 Nandudu Annet, and the Member of Parliament for Elgon County Ignatius Wamakuyu Mudimi, and other officials trying to relocate survivors to a nearby Masugu primary school and others to their relatives.
“The Uganda police and UPDF, and other officials are under way despite devastating roads that are cut off by floods,” he added.
In light of the recurring nature of such disasters, officials are echoing the need for a long-term strategy that includes relocating communities from high-risk areas as part of a broader initiative aimed at relocating over 400,000 people living in vulnerable mountainous regions across the country.
Uganda has faced multiple landslides in recent years, particularly in eastern regions of; Bududa and Bulambuli with past incidents that have resulted in to significant casualties and displacement.
With the continued disasters in the country, there should be a call for improved monitoring systems and community education on safe practices during heavy rainfall that have claimed lives, property, food and others.
The landslide in Kimono Village serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by communities in Uganda’s mountainous regions.
Much as government efforts have been put in place, there has been resistance from communities regarding relocation due to cultural ties to their land and concerns about losing fertile agricultural land, this resistance complicates the implementation of relocation policies and underscores the need for community engagement in disaster preparedness initiatives across the country.
The government’s response plan focuses on immediate rescue efforts while also advocating for long-term solutions to prevent future disasters through relocation and sustainable land management practices.
