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Speaker demands immediate intervention for flood-hit Kigezi region
The Speaker of the Ugandan Parliament, Anita Among, has called for immediate action to help residents in the Kigezi region who were affected by floods and mudslides.
On Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at least 18 people lost their lives and several homes and roads were destroyed in the districts of Rubanda, Kisoro, and Rukiga.
Among demands that the Minister of Disaster present a plan for both short and long-term intervention, and emphasized the need for a Disaster Commission as a constitutional right.
“We want to ask the Minister of Disaster to come and present immediate action they have taken on what is happening and the long-term plans. It still takes us back to the need for a Disaster Commission; it is a constitutional right but we have paid a deaf ear to that,” Among said.
In a communication to the House on May 4, 2023, Among also urged residents in flood-prone areas to be vigilant as the rainy season continues. She warned that flooding is common during this time of year and that people in other regions, including Elgon, must also be prepared.
“This is a common occurrence during the rainy season and people in Elgon region also need to be on alert because this has happened and it is going to continue happening. We must always be prepared for floods and droughts,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives (Trade), Hon. David Bahati confirmed that the floods have destroyed houses and roads, and claimed the lives of 18 people.
He revealed that the road from Katuna-Muko and the road to Lake Bunyonyi have been damaged by the heavy rainfall.
The government has responded to the situation and will provide both short-term relief and long-term solutions to the floods and mudslides.
Bahati assured the public that the government is doing all it can to improve the situation.
“We are doing all that we can to make sure that the situation at least temporarily improves as we plan for a lasting solution,” Bahati said.
