Kasese leaders ask gov’t to resettle persons living along river banks

Kasese, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT |  Kasese District leaders have asked the government to relocate persons living along the banks of major Rivers Nyamwamba and Mubuku.  

The leaders argue that they don’t have land to resettle the persons. They are also concerned that if the current heavy rains continue the district could again be plunged into disaster. 

At least nine people died when major rivers including Lhubiriha, Mubuku, Nyamwamba, Thako and Namugasani burst their banks in May last year following heavy rains.   

The outgoing Mayor for Kasese Municipality Godfrey Kabyanga says in addition to being alert, residents especially those along the Nyamwamba valley need to be assisted to relocate to safer places.

He says their efforts to discourage people from settling along the river banks have been met with resistance.   Kabyanga also says the government needs to have a comprehensive program to handle settlement along rivers in the region.   

The Mayor however says efforts to de-silt the river are underway even though it is a long term process.

The Deputy RDC Kasese Joshua Masereka says that there is a need for a sustainable safety plan along the river banks which should include permanently resettling families that have been living closer to the rivers.  

The Kasese District senior planner Joseph Isingoma says that even when some people left the disaster-prone areas, many return to search for food.

Joshua Mugerwa one of those that have been living along the river in Kilembe says even though they are worried about the May rains, he has no alternative place he can relocate to. He hopes the government can find land for him and many others. 

Grace Masika from Kanyangeya cell says she cannot vacate her area that is adjacent to the river because she bought it. Masika says she can only leave if the government provides her with alternative land where she can construct a house.  

In March Kasese District leaders asked the government to establish an inter-ministerial committee to address the problem of disasters especially floods in the district.  

The leaders argue that the committee would also help the district to plan ahead of heavy rains between March and May. However,  this committee is yet to be considered by the government.

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