Residents of Bulambuli District in eastern Uganda are being urged to relocate after devastating landslides claimed at least 15 lives, including seven children.
The disaster, triggered by relentless heavy rains on Wednesday night, buried 45 homes across six villages, leaving 113 people unaccounted for.
Former Energy Minister Irene Muloni, now the Woman MP for Bulambuli, made an emotional plea on Thursday for survivors to abandon the mountainous region. “The rains are too heavy, the waterfalls are increasing, and it’s unsafe. Let’s leave and seek refuge with relatives until the government provides safer alternatives,” she said.
The Ugandan government is acquiring land to relocate affected families, but progress is slow. Muloni urged residents to prioritize their safety as rescue efforts continue under difficult conditions.
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Bulambuli, located about 280 kilometers east of Kampala, has suffered repeated disasters due to climate change. In 2023, the district experienced similar torrential rains, resulting in significant loss of life and property.
Rescue operations led by Uganda Police, supported by local communities, have been hampered by impassable roads. Efforts to reach submerged areas have been further complicated, with two rescue boats capsizing on the River Nile near the Pakwach bridge on Wednesday.
The disaster highlights Uganda’s vulnerability to extreme weather, which experts say is worsening due to climate change. Officials fear further loss of life as the rains persist.
