Govt urged to expedite relocation of Bududa residents

The opposition Democratic Party (DP) has asked government to beef up scientific capabilities in disaster prediction and early warning systems. 

The party argued that with beefed up scientific technology, the Bududa floods that triggered mudslides could have been predicted and the population advised to vacate the area much earlier. 

According to the Prime Minister's office, 45 people died as the latest deadly mudslides hit Bududa on Thursday last week. 

Over 140 houses were washed into low beds in 11 villages, displacing over 800 people. Several crop gardens were also destroyed. 

Addressing journalists during the weekly party press conference at the party headquarters at City House in Kampala on Tuesday, DP president general, Nobert Mao, advised government to prioritise the safety of the people of Bududa. 

"Government should declare the prone areas out of bounds for the people and immediately relocate the people," he said. 

Imploring government to fasten the implementation of Bududa resettlement plan, Mao urged against excuses alleging that funds were available through the Land Fund. 

Mao, said after the 2010 landslides, government should have acted decisively to relocate the people under a clear resettlement arrangement. 

The 2010 landslides that wrecked Nametsi village in Bududa district left over 150 people dead and this prompted government to embark on the population relocation arrangements and land measuring 2868 acres was bought in Bulambuli district for the purpose. 

Mao called for sensitisation of the masses on the dangers of insisting on remaining in the mountainous areas. 

He announced that DP was launching a drive to mobilise relief aid for the affected population. 

"We urge the public to contribute to the cause through the Uganda Red Cross and as DP leaders we prepare to visit the affected area," Mao noted.