River Nyamwamba floods ravage Kasese cutting off key roads
The most affected areas, among others, included Saluti A and Saluti B cells in Kanyangeya ward of Nyamwamba Division. The most affected are people living along the Kamulikwizi drainage channel.
Many families have since vacated their houses in fear of losing their lives and properties. (Photos by Samuel Amanyire)
________________
River Nyamwamba has burst its banks, cutting off local access. The floods after heavy rains on Thursday, September 17th, ravaged several villages within Kasese Municipality, throwing residents into panic.
Many families have since vacated their houses in fear of losing their lives and properties.
The most affected areas, among others, included Saluti A and Saluti B cells in Kanyangeya ward of Nyamwamba Division. The most affected are people living along the Kamulikwizi drainage channel.
"It was a big shock seeing water invade them, especially residents whose houses are along and in the same direction with the Kamulikwizi drainage channel," narrated Jacob Tibamanya Masereka, the area's LC1 Chairperson of Saluti A.
Urging people to be on alert, he also appealed to those who are within the bounds of the Kamulikwizi drainage channel to vacate areas as Government moves to improve it.
"Government promised to improve the Kamulikwizi drainage channel so that it can serve as an alternative route for River Nyamwamba waters; unfortunately, our own people are still hesitant to leave the demarcated route of the channel," Tibamanya revealed on Thursday.
"Anytime they go out, teachers must escort the students to prevent them from playing within the water," he ordered.
Victims' plea
"We appeal to authorities to divert the waters of River Nyamwamba to its original channel to prevent them from continuously facing its wrath," he added.
Scovia Muhindo, the Chairperson of LC2 Kanyangeya ward, explained that during heavy rains, River Nyamwamba has always shifted its course from the original valley to the Kamulikwizi drainage channel, which traverses within Nyamwamba Division of Kasese Municipality.
"I pray that government should amplify efforts of improving the Kamulikwizi drainage channel to prevent the floods from breaking into the people and causing havoc," Scovia said.
Solution
According to the Kasese District Disaster Management Committee (KDDMC) sources, the local government is expected to experience above-normal rainfall during the September - December 2026 season, increasing the risk of flooding, strong winds and other weather-related emergencies.
To assess the effect of the floods, the committee chaired by Mustafa Kikusa, the Kasese District Principal Assistant Secretary (PAS), promptly held a meeting to strengthen preparedness and coordinate emergency response measures to protect lives and property.
The DDMC urged the public to remain alert and vigilant, avoid crossing flooded rivers and streams, protect children, older persons, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, and follow official safety guidance.