By URN
More than 500 families residing along the shores of Lake Albert in Hoima district are on the brink of displacement due to rising water levels, a situation that mirrors the devastating floods experienced in 2020 and 2021.
The affected residents hail from landing sites such as Fofo, Kijangi, Mbegu, Rwentali, Kaiso, and Kiryamboga in the sub-counties of Buseruka and Kabaale. The rise in water levels began in July and August, according to the residents.
During a visit by Uganda Radio Network (URN), it was observed that several homes had already been submerged. Jena Ndahura, the defense secretary at Kijangi landing site, stated that the situation is dire in his village, where 30 homes have already been engulfed by the floodwaters.
Swizin Tinkamanyire, 77, whose house is on the verge of being submerged, expressed his despair, noting that he has no place to relocate. He recalled how his permanent home was destroyed by the 2020 floods and how this current flooding marks the second time he has faced such a calamity.
Mary Nyakato, a resident of the Tonya landing site, expressed fears of mass displacement, as families are left without viable alternatives. She urged the government to step in and acquire land for their resettlement to prevent further suffering.
Racheal Chikawun, a mother of three from Mbegu landing site, voiced concerns about the potential health risks, particularly malaria outbreaks, due to the stagnant water attracting mosquitoes. She echoed calls for the government to acquire land and relocate the affected residents before the situation escalates further.
John Munguriek, LC2 Chairperson of Rwentale Parish in Buseruka sub-county, confirmed that 20 homes have already been submerged in his area. Buseruka sub-county LCIII Chairperson, Ali Tinkamanyire, described the situation as appalling, calling for urgent government intervention.
Bugahya County MP, Pius Wakabi, emphasized the need for affirmative action to assist the residents, urging the government to acquire land for resettlement before the crisis worsens. The current crisis is reminiscent of the devastating floods between October 2020 and January 2021, when rising water levels in Lake Albert submerged over 500 homes in Hoima district, displacing more than 5,000 people.
Similarly, in Buliisa district, more than 3,500 families were displaced by floods, resulting in significant property damage. Many of those displaced were forced to seek refuge in churches, schools, or makeshift shelters, while others waited for government intervention to no avail. Some of the victims have since returned to reoccupy their dilapidated homes despite the risks.
