Prime Minister delivers relief food

Aug 29, 2020

Rugunda told Amolatar leaders that the Government instituted a committee under the water and environment ministry, which will come up with a report and solution for the people.

FLOODS|RELIEF ITEMS |OPM

Amolatar district has received emergency relief assistance from the Office of the Prime Minister following an impromptu visit to the district by the Prime Minister, Dr Ruhakana Rugunda.

Rugunda, using a military helicopter, visited Amolatar over the weekend to assess the situation following persistent reports of devastation due to floods.

The trip also saw him go to Nakasongola, which has also experienced massive floods due to the rising water levels of Lake Kyoga.

Rugunda told the district leaders that he was directed by the President to visit the district, assess the situation and report back to him.

He said the Government is still procuring relief items, but he decided to deliver the little he could get to the district. The district received 10 tonnes of posho, 200 blankets and 200 tarpaulins.

Rugunda told Amolatar leaders that the Government instituted a committee under the water and environment ministry, which will come up with a report and solution for the people.

On his Twitter handle, Rugunda said the Government had provided initial relief to the people affected by floods and will do more. He saluted the people for the resilience they have exhibited.

The rise in the water levels of lakes Kyoga and Kwania has caused untold devastation to the community, destroying acres of crops and leaving hundreds homeless.

The resident district commissioner, Lillian Eyal, said by June this year, about 40% of the households (12,000) had been directly affected by the floods.

Eyal said more areas are likely to flood if the current situation continues for another month.

Effects of floods

Eyal said the floods have caused famine since the major food security crops, such as cassava, sweet potatoes, beans and simsim have been destroyed. She said there has also been an outbreak of diseases among the humans and livestock. Eyal also said feeder roads and bridges have been destroyed and the crime rate, as well as poverty levels, increased.

According to district statistics, 6,054 households were affected, with 8,214 acres of crops destroyed.

The most affected sub-counties are Namasale, Awelo, Agwingiri, Aputi, Akwon, Etam, Amolatar town council, Arwotcek, Agikdak, Muntu and Namasale town council.

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