Floods hit Butaleja again

Residents of Butaleja District are once again reeling from the devastating impact of floods that have displaced several families. The latest flooding, triggered by heavy rains last week, has submerged homes, washed away crops, and left many residents without shelter, food, or access to basic services.

This comes just two months after previous floods wreaked havoc, leaving victims without promised government relief support for recovery. The district, prone to seasonal flooding, was hit hard recently, forcing many families to seek refuge with their relatives, in schools, and in churches.

Ms Irene Namusabi, a retired teacher, said despite government promises of resettlement and relief aid, most of the victims remain in dire conditions, still waiting for assistance when the floods struck last week. She said the latest floods have exacerbated the suffering of displaced families, many of whom have been forced to leave temporary shelters that are now uninhabitable.

"Gardens have been submerged, leaving residents without food or income. We were told we would be supported by the government, but nothing happened. Now we are suffering again," lamented Ms Namusabi.

However, the State Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness, and Refugees Affairs in the Office of the Prime Minister, Ms. Lillian Aber, defended the government, saying her docket has limited funding.

"We have very many competing priority areas and the government has a limited budget. But the government approved relocation plans for those in areas which were affected by landslides and floods," she said.

The minister told Monitor on December 5 that the government is looking for interventions to address floods in the country.

"It’s important to note that the government is trying to be on alert in areas that are affected by disasters. Those in areas that are at risk of experiencing floods and landslides must evacuate to safer areas. We don’t want to respond to loss of life," Ms Aber said.

This is not the first time Butaleja has faced such a crisis. Over the years, flooding has become a recurring issue for the district, displacing hundreds of residents and leaving them in a constant cycle of vulnerability.

"Despite numerous calls for government intervention and better disaster management, the area has been largely neglected, with slow or insufficient responses to the needs of the affected communities," says Ms. Grace Mugala, a resident of Doho Village in Mazimasa Sub-county.

She said the families are resorting to desperate measures to survive. According to Ms Mugala, a number of children missed this year’s final examinations due to floods in the area.

The district authorities said floods submerged several schools, damaged infrastructure, and displaced communities, making it challenging for students to access schools.

Some of the affected primary schools are Doho, Namehere, Lubembe, Namulo, Kanyenya, Masulula, and Leresi, among others. Pupils were seen stranded at home as the waters showed no signs of receding.

The Director of Studies at Doho Primary School, Mr. Issa Higenyi, said the rising water levels have even reached the school compound and classrooms, further worsening the situation.

"It’s concerning that several neighboring schools are also affected, which suggests a broader regional problem that needs urgent attention. We were forced to give exams to some pupils, but the majority missed the final examination," Mr Higenyi said.

He stated that most pupils rely on makeshift bridges on River Manafwa to reach schools. However, these bridges are often washed away, making it difficult for the pupils to cross.

"Many pupils who are coming from across the river have missed exams. Teachers have been unable to reach schools, halting crucial exams that mark the end of the academic year," he said.

The heavy rains over the past week resulted in Rivers Manafwa and Nakwasi bursting their banks and submerging homes, schools, and key access routes in low-lying areas.

Currently, many parts of the country are experiencing heavy rains, which have caused flooding in several areas and disrupted road access in some districts.

According to the Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA) seasonal forecast, the rains were forecasted to recede in mid-November for most parts of the country.

Mr Tom Wandera, the environment officer of Butaleja District, stated that the Eastern region is experiencing above-normal rainfall. He explained that, being a low-lying area, Butaleja is accumulating water from surrounding regions, exacerbating the flooding.

Several parents and local leaders have expressed concern over the situation, fearing the long-term impact on the children’s education.

"My child has worked hard all year, and now she cannot complete her exams because of these floods. It’s heartbreaking," said Ms Judith Nawegulo, a parent from Mazimasa Sub-county, one of the hardest-hit areas.

Ms Hawa Hasahya, a resident of Doho Village, reported that floods have submerged her home and gardens. She expressed fear of water-borne diseases as their food rots in the gardens.

"We request the government to implement long-term measures, such as constructing drainage systems and relocating vulnerable communities, to mitigate future impacts," she said.

Ms Zaina Wenene, another victim of Namulo village in Himutu Sub-county, shared similar struggles. She revealed that over three acres of her crops, including potatoes, cassava, and soybeans, have been destroyed by the floods.

"My home has also been submerged, forcing my family to seek refuge at a local school. We are afraid about the looming threat of hunger, as well as the rising cases of malaria among children due to the stagnant water," Ms Wenene told Monitor last Friday.

She said most pit-latrines in the area have been washed away, further exacerbating the sanitation crisis.

Mr Michael Bory Higenyi, the chairperson of Butaleja District, highlighted the severe impact of the floods on infrastructure.

He noted that all but one road—connecting to Budaka—has been cut off, isolating the district from neighboring areas like Tororo and Namutumba.

"About five schools have also been affected, disrupting education and causing many pupils to miss their exams," Mr Higenyi said.

The chairperson emphasized that the district lacks the capacity to repair the damaged roads and address the crisis, urging the government and development partners to intervene.

He also warned of a potential outbreak of diseases like cholera, as residents are now relying on contaminated water sources due to the destruction of pit latrines.