MPs ask govt to declare floods a national disaster

Members of Parliament have asked the government to declare floods a national disaster to save families displaced by floods across the country.

Speaking during a press conference at Parliament, MPs from Buliisa district, where 3,800 people have been displaced by floods, said there is a need for international assistance by countries under the Nile Basin.

"We should make the issue of floods control an international issue, Uganda alone, cannot release the water to countries facing water sacristy, without signing a memorandum of understanding with the 11 countries under the Nile Basin," Stephen Mukitale, the MP Buliisa County said.

The MPs implored the government to consider declaring floods as a national disaster saying most of the district along Lake Albert had been facing floods.

According to the MPs, the floods are resulting from the rising Lake Albert water levels in Buliisa district, which is on the lower point of the rift valley.

The floods have submerged houses, public facilities like toilets, health centers, churches, and schools in different sub-counties across the district.

"These floods have greatly affected human settlement and access to social services such as health. We appeal to the government to relocate them and also look for an alternative livelihood for them," Norah Bigirwa, the woman MP Buliisa district said.

Besides, Buliisa, many districts such as Ntoroko are currently facing challenges with floods that have since displaced people and destroyed food.

According to the Uganda Red Cross, which has been moving around the affected districts donating food relief, indicated that over 1400 people were affected by floods in Ntoroko.

The MPs noted that the floods had brought to a standstill works on road construction and oil activities in the Buliisa area.