The overflowing River Manafwa on Wednesday morning resulting from the heavy rains, displaced more than 7,000 people in six sub-counties of Butaleja District in Uganda.
The flooding that affected Himutu, Maiz-Masa, Kachonga, Butaleja Town Council, and Nawanjofu started at around 2 a.m.
According to District chairperson Michael Higenyi the flood which has reached new areas is the largest one in Butaleja history.
The flooding has extended trouble in transportation to a great extent since the Butaleja-Mbale road has been completely cut off as vehicles are forced to use other routes going through Budaka and Nangongera-Tororo.
As a result of the floods, many houses and agricultural land have been engulfed by water leading to the destruction of crops that include maize, rice, beans, potatoes, and cassava. Residents can now cross the flooded areas by paying between 1,000 and 5,000 Ugandan shillings with the assistance of local transporters.
Although there is still a problem of accessibility because of blocked roads, evacuation centers at Manafwa Primary School and Leresi Town Council have been put up by the district authorities. Those who live in the affected areas are recommended to take refuge in the churches and schools that are not affected.
Officials are worried about the outbreak of diseases like cholera and malaria, that is why they have requested the Ministry of Health to provide them with more medical supplies.
Several residents testify of heavy losses, as for the houses have collapsed and the food stores destroyed which has led to the livelihoods of families being affected and children’s education prospects deteriorated considerably.
There has been flooding in Butaleja District during the rainy seasons, with the most significant incidents being in May 2021 and April 2024, but the current crisis is still far from the past.
The district chairperson has appealed to the government to take action which should consist of establishing a special flood fund besides constructing embankments on River Manafwa to control the flow and prevent floods from happening again.
