Illegal irrigation schemes blamed for persistent flooding in Kasese
"Especially during the rainy seasons. As the water volume increases, the river easily invades communities, causing a lot of havoc, including loss of lives and properties," Kikusa said.
River Mubuku floods have cut off the Karusandara- Kisanyarazi road making it hard for the users to reach their destinations. (Credit: Samuel Amanyire)
KASESE - Residents of Kasese district have been warned against establishing mini irrigation schemes that have not been approved by government experts, amid growing concerns that the practice is contributing to recurring flooding in communities located near major rivers.
The warning was issued on June 12, 2026, by Mustafa Kikusa, chairperson of the Kasese District Disaster Management Committee (KDDMC), while addressing residents of Karusandara subcounty during World Environment Day commemorations at Nyabubale village.
The event, organised and facilitated by Save the Children International, aimed to raise awareness about the collective responsibility of communities in restoring ecosystems, building climate resilience and promoting sustainable livelihoods for children and families.
Kikusa, who also serves as Kasese district principal assistant secretary, said findings had shown that illegal irrigation schemes established along major rivers, including Mubuku, Nyamwamba and Nyamugasa, were contributing significantly to flooding.
"Especially during the rainy seasons. As the water volume increases, the river easily invades communities, causing a lot of havoc, including loss of lives and properties," Kikusa said.
He urged farmers, particularly those operating near riverbanks, to abandon the practice or risk prosecution. He also encouraged residents to adopt disaster risk reduction measures, including improved farming methods and tree planting.
"Observe and maintain the distance leaders tell you to leave before you choose to dig near the river," he said.
Search continues for missing child
The warning comes as residents of Nyabubale village, Kibuga parish, Karusandara subcounty in Busongora County South, continue searching for a three-year-old boy believed to have drowned in River Mubuku a week ago.
The incident has renewed concerns about the dangers posed by rivers in the district, particularly during periods of high water levels.
Human activities worsening disasters
Tom Ndyanabo, the manager of Save the Children in Kasese, said many of the disasters experienced in the district are linked to human activities, including widespread deforestation, poor farming practices and the reclamation of wetlands and swamps.
Several houses and gardens in villages of Kabuga and Kivengenyi Kaarusandara SC engulfed by floods of River Mubuku because of illegal min irrigation. (Credit: Samuel Amanyire)
He urged residents to play an active role in reducing disaster risks through environmental conservation measures such as tree planting, protecting riverbanks and maintaining vegetation cover on hills and mountains.
Calls for preventive action
Lucas Buhaka, a community representative on the district disaster management committee, urged residents to take disaster warnings seriously and follow guidance issued by authorities.
He said disasters can be managed and their impact reduced when communities adhere to preventive measures.
Meanwhile, Karusandara subcounty LCIII chairperson Samuel Kamara said residents were increasingly worried that River Mubuku could burst its banks after diverting from its original channel.
He called on the government and development partners to intervene urgently by desilting the river channel to restore the natural flow of water and reduce the risk of flooding.