The government is planning to relocate 305 households in the landslide-prone areas in the coming months to protect them against the effects of the expected floods this rainy season.
According to Davinia Anyakui, the State Minister of Relief, Disaster Preparedness, and Refugees, the government has finished the construction of 305 houses into which the victims will move to next month.
“A total of 305 houses have been constructed so far, of which 42 are newly constructed. Relocation of households will take place by April 2023,” Anyakun said.
Anyakun said that due to the ongoing rainy season, flooding and waterlogging are expected in low-lying areas and on mountain slopes.
“We expect the following potential disaster impacts: landslides and mudslides, as well as increased soil erosion in highland areas, hailstorms, increased incidences of crop pests and diseases such as fall armyworms, as well as an increased likelihood of a water-reacted disease,” he added.
However, the government has devised several measures to address these problems, including the implementation of direct money transfers to landslide victims in the Mt. Elgon region, which is dubbed “Give Direct.”
Uganda experiences landslides during the rainy season, especially in the low-lying areas and on mountain slopes, primarily those of Mount Elgon in the east and Mount Rwenzori in the west.