Museveni visits families of landslide victims

President Yoweri Museveni on Wednesday visited the families of the victims of landslides in Bulusabe village, Bufupa Parish in Budadiri East, Sironko district.  At least seven people were killed by landslides in August in Sironko district.

Museveni says deaths by mudslides should not occur again because it is easy to manage and avoid them. He says Mount Elgon is good, like a mother, feeding the people and providing good climate, which supports agriculture and tourism.

"If indeed, the mountain is our mother, then it is improper to undress your mother. At creation, God "dressed" the mountains with forest cover and grass. To cut or destroy this vegetation is akin to undressing your mother and this leads to curses or mudslides."

Museveni also directed concerned officials to ensure that settlements on the mountain slopes begin at 500 metres from the edge of the cliff, saying the Government will help families set up organized settlements in a safe range.

"However, cultivation of perennial crops, like coffee, apples can be done in areas near the cliff. I have tasked the agriculture ministry to come here and teach farming methods suitable for mountainous areas."

Museveni also directed Budadiri coffee factory to form a partnership with Uganda Development Corporation, in order to get re-capitalised.