Residents of flood-prone areas in Kasese asked to relocate

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Authorities in Kasese district have intensified disaster preparedness measures as the rainy season begins, urging residents in high-risk areas to consider early evacuation to avoid potential loss of life and property.

Leaders have particularly warned communities living in mountainous areas and along riverbanks, especially near rivers Nyamwamba, Mubuku and Nyamugasana, to remain vigilant, noting that these areas remain highly vulnerable to landslides and flooding whenever heavy rains set in.

The onset of the rainy season is historically one of the most dangerous periods for disasters in Kasese, often characterised by rising water levels, soil instability and flash floods.

A photo of Kilembe Mines Limited headquarters which have since 2013 turned into rubbles with boulders brought about by River Nyamwamba floods. (Photo by Samuel Amanyire)

Speaking to New Vision on March 27, 2026, at the Kasese district headquarters located in Rukoki ward of Kasese municipality, Mustafa Kikusa, the Kasese district disaster committee chairperson, emphasised that people should value and safeguard their lives and property as the government works towards a long-term solution.

"Be mindful of your own lives because you have seen others or perhaps your relatives die in such places," Kikusa said.

Kikusa, however, disclosed that monitoring is already underway and that early warning systems are being strengthened to ensure residents are informed in advance about potential flooding risks.

He further revealed that the government is advancing long-term measures aimed at addressing the persistent flooding of River Nyamwamba and its related challenges.

"A comprehensive master project estimated at over sh350 billion is in its final planning stages, with key processes such as consultations, feasibility studies and design already completed," Kikusa disclosed.

Kasese loses heavily to disasters

According to Joseph Isingoma, the district disaster focal person, since 1996, natural disasters, including floods and landslides, have killed over 65 people and destroyed property worth sh88 billion, including roads, bridges, buildings, crop gardens and animals, among others.

"We have lost 217 km of roads and over 1,500 people are still living in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps," Isingoma said.

He attributed the disasters to both natural causes and human activities, including continued encroachment on riverbanks, clearing of wetlands and cutting down of trees.

Isingoma, who also sits on the Kasese district disaster management committee, revealed that over the years, authorities have enhanced community awareness on disasters and rehabilitated some destroyed infrastructure, especially bridges and roads, by implementing the government’s legal and policy framework.

Joseph Isingoma, the Kasese District Disaster focal person saying that natural disasters have claimed over 65 lives and destroyed properties worth sh88b. (Photo by Samuel Amanyire)

"You realise that people have embraced bamboo tree planting along all river banks but also early warning systems have been installed," he said.

Affected victims speak out

For Parik Bwambale, 13, the 2024 floods swallowed his family’s home. “River Nyamwamba invaded Kasese municipality while we were in the garden. Everything was gone.”

Rehema Aryema, the chairperson of Muhokya IDP camp, where victims of the 2019/2020 floods are living, disclosed that they have endured nearly six years of hardship, including lack of food, harsh weather conditions and poor hygiene, following their displacement.

"Government promised to resettle us, but all in vain. That is why other people choose to go back to disaster-prone areas, ending up losing their lives and properties, Aryema said.

Kahindo speaks out

Chance Kahindo, the mayor of Kasese, said they were shocked when floods from River Nyamwamba began to invade urban areas of Kasese Municipality, blocking roads and destroying property.

"Buying D10 machines to do periodic de- silting of the river would help a lot," Kahindo recommended.