UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) in Uganda has initiated a project to provide USh10 million to approximately 1,000 households in the Elgon sub-region to relocate from landslide-prone areas and other high-risk mountainous regions with slopes exceeding 30 degrees above sea level.
This initiative aims to mitigate the risks posed by landslides and ensure the safety of vulnerable communities residing in eastern districts such as Bududa, Manafwa, Namisindwa, and Sironko.
The USh10 billion project was scheduled to commence on Friday, 12th April, 2024, with the cash relief being disbursed directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
Lillian Aber, the newly appointed State Minister for Relief and Disaster Preparedness, announced the allocation of Shs10 billion from the finance ministry to facilitate the resettlement of affected individuals.
Aber emphasised the importance of providing beneficiaries with financial literacy and guidelines to ensure the responsible use of funds.
She highlighted past instances where beneficiaries misused funds provided for relocation, underscoring the need for accountability and proper utilisation of resources.
Aber expressed concerns about previous cases where over 4,000 beneficiaries received Shs7 million each for relocation but failed to utilise the funds appropriately due to the lack of conditions attached to the assistance.
She emphasised the government’s commitment to monitoring the relocation process and ensuring that funds are utilised for their intended purpose to prevent future occurrences of landslides and related disasters.
In 2021, eastern Uganda witnessed the displacement of 3,620 families, predominantly in the Elgon sub-region, due to landslides and other natural disasters.
Despite previous efforts, the government has only managed to relocate 250 families permanently in Bulambuli District.
Aber urged the Ministry of Finance to prioritise allocating funds to the disaster ministry to enhance its capacity to respond promptly to natural emergencies across the country.
The decision to offer financial assistance for relocation stems from the devastating landslides that have plagued Bududa District, particularly the tragic events of March 2010, which claimed the lives of over 300 people.
A landslide in August 2022 further exacerbated the situation, causing damage to 50 households and rendering more than 300 individuals homeless.
Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi emphasised the importance of proactive measures to safeguard the lives and well-being of residents in landslide-prone areas.
READ MORE LIKE THIS:
Landslides and Floods in Kasese Leave 5 Dead, 26 Houses Destroyed
