Published on 31/10/2025
Government has pledged urgent relief and infrastructure support for communities devastated by landslides and floods across the country, as torrential rains continue to wreak havoc in eastern and northern Uganda.
In Kween and Bukwo districts, at least nine people were confirmed dead, six from a single family, following a deadly landslide triggered by heavy rainfall on the night of Wednesday, October 29. Over 2,250 residents were affected, with 320 displaced and three critically injured.
State Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Lillian Aber, told Parliament that emergency teams from the Uganda Red Cross have been deployed to the affected areas to provide non-food relief and support rescue operations. “It is true we have lost six people in Kween and three in Bukwo, and about 2,250 people have been affected,” Aber said. “We have instructed the Red Cross to intervene, and as we speak, they are already on the ground.”
Aber announced that the government has allocated 10 tons of maize, 10 tons of beans, and 100 tarpaulins for immediate distribution, adding that plans for relocation and long-term resettlement are underway. She urged residents living in high-risk areas to evacuate immediately. “We are working to complete land procurement for resettlement, but I appeal to leaders to help us sensitize communities in mapped risk zones to move for their safety,” she said.
In keeping with President Museveni’s tradition of extending condolences to disaster victims, Aber revealed that the President will contribute UGX 5 million to assist with burial expenses and medical care for the injured. Displaced residents are currently being housed temporarily in a local church while awaiting relocation.
The government’s response came after Kween Woman MP, Rose Cherukut, raised the matter during Thursday’s plenary, appealing for urgent intervention and lamenting the poor state of facilities at Kapchorwa Hospital, where the bodies were taken. “It’s unfortunate that our main hospital has no refrigeration to keep the bodies as families prepare for decent burials,” Cherukut said. She urged the government to provide financial assistance for burials and temporary shelter for displaced families.
Kween County MP, William Chemonges, decried the recurring nature of landslides in Sebei subregion, calling for a permanent solution. “Every rainy season, we face this tragedy. The government has to fast-track relocation for people living in disaster-prone areas. The Prime Minister’s Office teams come, take pictures and lists, but never return,” Chemonges said.
Meanwhile, in northern Uganda, floods have severely disrupted transport and trade. Otuke County MP, Paul Omara, told Parliament that three key bridges, Ogute, Orit, and Apak, have been washed away, isolating the district from neighboring Alebtong, Lira, and Karamoja. “We are now an island, completely cut off. No business is moving between Otuke and the rest of the country,” Omara said, urging the Ministry of Works to deploy emergency equipment to channel floodwaters and restore access.
The worsening infrastructure situation was echoed by Buhweju MP, Francis Mwijukye, who decried the deplorable state of the road connecting Mbarara, Bwizibwera, Nyakambu, Kabwohe, and Buhweju. He revealed that the contractor responsible for the road works had deserted the site over a month ago. “I called the station manager, and she told me the contractor ran away and is not answering calls. The situation is dire, especially during this campaign period when we need access to our people,” Mwijukye said.
Kashari North MP, Basil Bataringaya, questioned why the road, previously approved and assigned a contractor, was now being treated as a “pre-feasibility” project, calling for urgent clarification and resumption of works.
Responding to the MPs’ concerns, Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Katumba Wamala, acknowledged the widespread road damage but cited financial constraints as the main impediment. “I’m aware of the situation in Otuke and Buhweju. The rivers have turned into lakes. Without proper water management, we can do very little for now,” Katumba said, calling on the Ministry of Water to help control flooding.
He pledged to use force account mechanisms to address abandoned road projects and confirmed that a UGX 30 billion budget has been allocated to resume stalled works once funds are released.
The Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, however, criticized the ministry’s inaction, urging a proactive response. “Government cannot sit back and say it can’t do anything. Dispatch a technical team to assess and engage residents. People are suffering,” Tayebwa said.
The ongoing natural disasters have intensified scrutiny on the government’s disaster preparedness and infrastructure response. MPs from multiple regions warned that without sustained investment in drainage systems, relocation programs, and timely maintenance, Uganda risks facing similar catastrophes every rainy season.
