PM Nabbanja pledges government support for Buliisa flood victims
Despite earlier government promises of support and resettlement, affected residents say little to nothing has been done.
Buliisa: The Prime Minister of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Robbinah Nabbanja, has assured residents of Buliisa District affected by floods and human-wildlife conflicts that the government is committed to addressing their long-standing resettlement crisis.
Nabbanja made the commitment while presiding over the belated Women’s Day celebrations for Buliisa District held at Booma Grounds in Nyapeya Cell, Buliisa Town Council.
She pledged to deploy a team from her office to assess the extent of the damage, identify the rightful victims, and initiate efforts to relieve and resettle those displaced by floods.
“The government is aware of the rampant human-wildlife conflict in Buliisa, and UWA has already begun fencing off the park to protect communities,” Nabbanja added.
Her assurance followed an appeal by Fred Lukumu, the Buliisa District Chairman, who requested immediate government intervention to rescue residents from the devastating impacts of floods and wildlife intrusion, particularly from elephants.
Norah Bigirwa Nyendwoha, the Buliisa District Woman MP, also emphasized the urgent need to support communities affected by both floods and wild animals, urging the Prime Minister to prioritize the district in government plans.
Allan Atugonza, Buliisa County MP, expressed optimism, saying, “Our people have lost property worth billions to flooding. Now that the Prime Minister has assured us of the government’s commitment, we are hopeful that relief will soon come.”
The crisis in Buliisa has deepened over the years. In August 2024, heavy winds and flooding from Lake Albert, triggered by rising waters and strong waves from the Democratic Republic of Congo, destroyed the Uganda Police Marine Unit offices and a former URA station in Butiaba.
The marine office was reallocated to Butiaba Station, while the submerged URA building was later transferred to Biiso Town Council.
Grace Angomoko and Jackson Dadda, victims from Butiaba, say they are stranded without homes or food. “Our house was swept away, and we now have nowhere to sleep. We are appealing for the government’s urgent support,” they said.
Sam Ayesiga, another resident, expressed deep concern over recurring floods and compounded challenges from COVID-19, which have left many homeless within just a year and a half.
Moses Awera, the Mayor of Butiaba Town Council, criticized the government’s delayed response. “If the government helped victims in Kiteezi, Bududa, and Karamoja, why not Butiaba? Our people are suffering,” he said. He urged the government to step in and provide shelter, food, and long-term resettlement solutions.
The situation dates back to 2020, when more than 3,500 people were displaced by flooding due to rising water levels in Lake Albert. Despite earlier government promises of support and resettlement, affected residents say little to nothing has been done.
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