65 households displaced by River Mubuku floods

KASESE - The Kasese district disaster management committee has reported that at least 65 households, including about 246 people, have been displaced by the floodwaters of River Mubuku in Karusandara subcounty.

Joseph Isingoma, the Kasese district senior planner, confirmed the unfortunate incident to New Vision on April 8, 2025, attributing it to heavy rains in the district that began last Sunday, causing water levels in major rivers to rise.

"The displaced people are currently staying with their relatives as we plan a long-term solution," Isingoma said.

Isingoma, who is also the District's disaster focal person, urged residents to remain vigilant and implement measures to mitigate disasters in their communities, especially during the current rainy season.

"This is particularly important as the Uganda National Meteorological Authority has indicated that the district is expected to receive increased rainfall until the end of June," he explained.

He also stressed the importance of tree planting around public places such as schools, churches, and health facilities, to act as windbreaks in the event of strong winds.

According to Isingoma, the four educational institutions that were destroyed by strong winds in recent months lacked trees around them, which made them more susceptible to damage.

Encroachers warned

Isingoma used the occasion to caution sand miners and individuals involved in agriculture along major rivers, urging them to stop encroaching on riverbanks, as this contributes to flooding and causes rivers to inundate people’s homes.

Marion Mbambu, a mother of two whose house was completely washed away in Ibuga village, described the hardship they are facing, including a lack of food, clothing, shelter, and limited privacy.

"This is beyond us," she said.

It is important to note that over 1,500 people continue to endure a difficult life in the Muhokya internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Muhokya Town Council, Kasese district, following the floods caused by rivers Nyamwamba and Mubuku, which displaced them in 2020.