‘This is beyond us’: Bunyangabu struggles to respond to deadly mudslides

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As natural calamities such as floods, mudslides, and prolonged drought continue to ravage parts of the country, Bunyangabu district LC5 chairperson James Ategeka Mugarama has revealed that the young district lacks sufficient funds to manage and prepare for disasters.

His concerns follow recent seasonal rains that triggered mudslides in Masibwe village, Kateebwa sub-county, two weeks ago, killing two juveniles and leaving hundreds homeless.

Speaking to New Vision on April 2, 2025, Mugarama acknowledged that the district’s inability to resettle and support displaced persons has forced many to return to high-risk areas, leaving them vulnerable to future disasters.

"We had ordered people to vacate hills with soft rocks, but they decided to go back. That's how we lost two kids due to mudslides, raising the death toll to six in just a few months," Mugarama said.

While commending various governmental and non-governmental organisations for providing some relief items, he urged the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) to intervene with food, clothing, bedding, and other essentials for over 200 affected residents as authorities work on a long-term solution.

"When such disasters strike, we are left speechless," he added.

Local leaders speak out

Adonia Kiramba, the LC1 chairperson for Masibwe village, revealed that the most recent mudslides destroyed more than 60 houses, along with livestock, garden crops, and other property.

"This is surely beyond us," Kiramba said.

Bright Maate, the LC3 chairperson of Kateebwa sub-county, confirmed that repeated mudslides have severed road connections, making it difficult for people and goods to reach their destinations.

"Yet as a sub-county, we have limited funds," he noted.

Residents struggle to recover

Joab Muhyana, who lost his child Jonan in the latest mudslide, said his entire house and crops were washed away, leaving him without a way forward.

Alice Muthumbira, a resident whose shop was swept away at Masibwe trading centre, lamented that she relied entirely on her business to pay school fees, cover medical expenses, and meet other essential needs.