The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Forum for Democratic Change- FDC wants parliament to provide a supplementary budget for the landslide and flood prone districts of Bududa and Butaleja.
Last week, floods hit Butaleja district displacing hundreds of people. Five people were also killed by landslides in Bududa. The most affected areas were Bunamwamba North, Bunamwamba Main and, Bunamwamba South in Buwaali sub-county. According to the Uganda Red Cross Society, about 150 houses were razed by the landslides.
The FDC Deputy Spokesperson John Kikonyogo says that Parliament needs to allocate more money such that all people living in risky areas in Bududa and Butaleja are relocated to safe areas. Kikonyogo was speaking at FDC weekly briefing held on Monday at the party headquarters in Najjanankumbi.
In 2013, government came up with a 10-year resettlement plan for people living in risky areas in the Elgon region. Government acquired 2800 acres of land to construct the 900 houses as part of the plan.
Last year cabinet approved allocation of 32 billion shillings for relocation of 6,300 residents in risky areas in Bududa. The plan is to construct 900 two bedroomed houses in Bunambutye Sub-county in Bulambuli.
Government through Uganda People’s Defense Forces- UPDF has so far constructed 100 houses to relocate. Some victims were relocated early this year.
According to the Hillary Onek, the minister in charge of Relief and Disaster Preparedness over 120,000 people are said to be living in risky areas.
Kikonyogo argues that efforts should also be taken to resettle people because more continue to die each time landslides hit risk areas in the Elgon region.
FDC further urged that government to intensify efforts to preserve the environment to address disasters that are as a result of environmental degradation.
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