Bundibugyo leaders question selective compensation of flood victims

Bundibugyo, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Bundibugyo district leaders have questioned the manner in which the government is compensating victims of disasters in the country.

They say that Bundibugyo has witnessed the reoccurrence of major disasters including mudslides and floods, since 2019 but to date, the victims have never been considered by the government.

According to the leaders, three people were killed by mudslides in Harugale sub county, but they are surprised that despite numerous appeals to the government, no compensation has been extended. They questioned why victims in Kasese and Mbale districts have been compensated and those in Bundibugyo neglected.

In Kasese and Mbale, the government gave 5 million shillings to the family of those that died and one million to each person that got injured.

Richard Gafabusa, the Bwamba County MP, says that it is disheartening that despite the numerous communications to the government through the office of the Prime Minister and other relevant agencies, there is no response.

Gafabusa says that if the government decides to compensate victims of disasters, it should be done equally.

Acrobert Moses Kiiza, the Bughendera County MP asked the government to announce a comprehensive compensation package, noting that recent mudslides caused huge human and property losses.

He wonders why there is selective consideration when it comes to compensating disaster victims yet they suffer the same challenges.

Kiiza says that more than 20 families mainly from Harugale sub-county are still displaced and have not had any direct help from the government.

Josephine Babungi, the Bundibugyo Woman MP wants the government to urgently consider providing relief to the affected households in the district.

The Minister of State for Trade, Harriet Ntabazi agrees that there is a need for uniformity when it comes to matters of compensation.

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