News Reports from Kasese
April 2, 2016
Mukulu in Kasese, Bundibugyo to broker peace
By Joel Kaguta
Captain Mike Mukula, the NRM vice chairperson for Eastern Region, on Saturday jetted into the Rwenzori sub-region on a peace and reconciliation mission.
The region has recently been struck by outbreaks of post-election violence in which 30 people have died in Bundibugyo and 11 others in Kasese under different circumstances.
A number of others including the intelligence chief of Kyabarungira Subcounty have been injured and four others arrested in connection with the violence.
Mukula, who flew in at around mid day, first met the Rwenzururu king, Charles Wesley Mumbere Irema-Ngoma at Mumbere’s palace in Kasese Municipality where the two held a two-hour closed meeting before flying to Bundibugyo to meet the Omudingiya.
Mumbere faults Kayihura
Briefing the media after their two-hour closed meeting, Mumbere said he was ready to re-unite with his counterpart, the Obundingiya Bwa Bamba cultural leader, retired Lt Col Martin Kamya, to restore peace in the Rwenzori sub-region.
But Mumbere urged the IGP, Gen Edward Kale Kayihura, to withdraw the heavy police deployment as per an earlier argument between the two at Hotel Margherita mid last month.
“I am surprised to see that the resolution has not been implemented,” Mumbere said.
The Omusinga, who described Capt. Mukula as a long-time friend of the Kingdom, said the flight captain had visited the King to sympathize with the Rwenzururu institution upon the loss of his subjects and their property following the fresh outbreaks in the district.
Omusinga told Mukula that he was committed and already to work with the president and security agencies in restoring peace and unity in the Rwenzori sub-region.
Mumbere recalled that though he and Kamya had started peace and reconciliation meetings a few years ago in Mubende and Busunga in Kabarole districts, the initiatives had collapsed.
“I am therefore committed to reviving my relationship with my counterpart, retired Lt Col. Martin Kamya,” Mumbere stressed.
Mumbere reiterated his earlier commitment to peace adding that his efforts were being frustrated by “elements who tarnish his name by misreporting him to government officials.
“Really, I can’t do that (cause insecurity) because I fought for the freedom of my people for over twenty years. I can’t cause misery to my people,” Omusinga said.
Omusinga also called for an independent commission of inquiry into the causes of atrocities.
He also asked the president to honour the unfulfilled presidential pledges in the Rwenzori region.
Mukula and Mumbere agreed that the atrocities were not tribal but that they were election-related.
Mukula to report to Museveni
Capt. Mukula said that he was going to make a follow-up of the issues raised by the king, which include upgrading Kasese Airstrip to internal standards, the construction of a referral hospital and supporting Rwenzururu Heritage University.
“When we transform the infrastructure, we will be able to combat various diseases, boost the economy and provide employment,” Mukula said.
Mukula urged the Omusinga to also convince his subjects who are displaced from their homes in Kasenyi village, Buhuhira Subcounty, where four people were killed in clashes between security organs and the residents on Match 11.
Both the leaders hailed the media for their objective reporting on the conflicts in the Rwenzori region.
After the closed meeting and the press briefing, Mumbere hosted Mukula to a lunch at the palace.
ENDS.
April 2, 2016
Witchcraft, money fueling attacks on security organs
By Joel Kaguta.
Police in Kasese have revealed that those militia-like groups who are involved in attacking security deployments do so under the influence of witchcraft and promises for big money in exchange of guns and other incentives.
According to the Rwenzori East Regional Commander, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Deo Obura, the groups are being sent by some yet undisclosed godfathers.
“They witch doctors incise the attackers and administer herbs into their bodies telling them that the herbs will immunize then against bullets,” the RPC said Friday evening, adding that the witchdoctors are from a neighbouring country.
He was addressing a meeting of top religious and civil society orgnaisations leaders convened and chaired by the bishop South Rwenzori Diocese, Rt Rev Jackson Thembo Nzerebende at the diocesan Agape Guest House in Kamaiba Ward, Kasese Municipality.
According to Nzerebende, the meeting was convened to get updates on the security situation and to chart a common approach to restoring peace and stability in Kasese and to appeal to the security organs to desist from using excessive force during their security operations.
The deputy RDC, Justine Muhindo, urged security organs in the district to strengthen border security to prevent external elements from infiltrating the district and taking advantage of the prevailing conflicts.
“Those we have so far arrested carry herbs wrapped in cloth, bear fresh cuts on various parts of their bodies and tell us the witchdoctors charge them Shs50,000,,” Obura told the meeting, which constantly expressed surprise.
He added, “The suspects as say their leaders have promised to pay Shs200,0000 per gun grabbed from security organs. “
The meeting, attended by the Kasese deputy Resident District Commissioner, Justine Muhindo, included the District Kadhi Sheikh Abdul Hakim Juma, Bishop Ezekiel Mutwanga of the Seventh-Day Adventist Rwenzori Filed, the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Kasese, Fr Expedito Masereka and Rubirizi RDC, Joseph Muranga.
Others included and the chairman of the Kasese District Development Network (KADDE-Net), an umbrella organisation for the district civil society organisation and Major John Baptist Katusabe, the coordinator of Operation wealth Creation in Kasese Municipality.
The meeting comes a day after security operatives of the police flying squad shot and killed Yafesi Mugoye, a Rwenzururu cultural institution royal guard around Shauri Yako market in Kasese town Thursday afternoon.
According to the RPC, Deo Obura, the operatives shot Mugoye to prevent him from grabbing a pistol and rescue his colleague, Juma Muliki who was being arrested in connection with the March night raid on Kidodo police post.
“It was not our intension to kill him. When he attempted to attack the operatives, they tried to immobilize him but unfortunately he later died,” the RPC said.
“The operatives were whisking away the suspect when another man attempted to rescue his colleague and tried grab a pistol from the operatives,” Tumushabe said.
On Good Friday, the Kamwenge deputy RDC, Amidabu Muhindo, survived an attack when a machete-wilding man wanted to grab a gun from the RDC’s escort and kill Amidabu. The RDC’s escort
On the night of March 9, unknown people attacked a joint UPDF and police patrol team in Kikonzo Cell of Hima Town Council.
Concerns
The Chief Executive Officer of Foundation for Rural and Urban Development, Reuben Mbauta, noted that the conflicts were negatively impacting on the district economy.
“This shameful situation must end. Can you imagine that everybody from Kasese is now received with suspicion outside the district?” the Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral, Cornelius Maate, said told the meeting.
The SDA Bishop, Ezekiel Mutwanga, reported that since the bloody clashes between residents and police in Kasenyi village, Buhuhira Subcounty on March 11, church activities had halted because the faithful had fled the village.
Resolutions
Both sides resolved to prevail on the Rwenzururu cultural leader, Charles Wesley Mumbere, the outgoing and in-coming political leaders to work jointly to restore peace and security in the district.
They also committed themselves to holding joint mass mobilisation campaigns through radio, community meetings and to convene an elders’ meeting as well as special peace and reconciliation prayers.
ENDS
Mukulu in Kasese, Bundibugyo to broker peace
By Joel Kaguta
Captain Mike Mukula, the NRM vice chairperson for Eastern Region, on Saturday jetted into the Rwenzori sub-region on a peace and reconciliation mission.
The region has recently been struck by outbreaks of post-election violence in which 30 people have died in Bundibugyo and 11 others in Kasese under different circumstances.
A number of others including the intelligence chief of Kyabarungira Subcounty have been injured and four others arrested in connection with the violence.
Mukula, who flew in at around mid day, first met the Rwenzururu king, Charles Wesley Mumbere Irema-Ngoma at Mumbere’s palace in Kasese Municipality where the two held a two-hour closed meeting before flying to Bundibugyo to meet the Omudingiya.
Mumbere faults Kayihura
Briefing the media after their two-hour closed meeting, Mumbere said he was ready to re-unite with his counterpart, the Obundingiya Bwa Bamba cultural leader, retired Lt Col Martin Kamya, to restore peace in the Rwenzori sub-region.
But Mumbere urged the IGP, Gen Edward Kale Kayihura, to withdraw the heavy police deployment as per an earlier argument between the two at Hotel Margherita mid last month.
“I am surprised to see that the resolution has not been implemented,” Mumbere said.
The Omusinga, who described Capt. Mukula as a long-time friend of the Kingdom, said the flight captain had visited the King to sympathize with the Rwenzururu institution upon the loss of his subjects and their property following the fresh outbreaks in the district.
Omusinga told Mukula that he was committed and already to work with the president and security agencies in restoring peace and unity in the Rwenzori sub-region.
Mumbere recalled that though he and Kamya had started peace and reconciliation meetings a few years ago in Mubende and Busunga in Kabarole districts, the initiatives had collapsed.
“I am therefore committed to reviving my relationship with my counterpart, retired Lt Col. Martin Kamya,” Mumbere stressed.
Mumbere reiterated his earlier commitment to peace adding that his efforts were being frustrated by “elements who tarnish his name by misreporting him to government officials.
“Really, I can’t do that (cause insecurity) because I fought for the freedom of my people for over twenty years. I can’t cause misery to my people,” Omusinga said.
Omusinga also called for an independent commission of inquiry into the causes of atrocities.
He also asked the president to honour the unfulfilled presidential pledges in the Rwenzori region.
Mukula and Mumbere agreed that the atrocities were not tribal but that they were election-related.
Mukula to report to Museveni
Capt. Mukula said that he was going to make a follow-up of the issues raised by the king, which include upgrading Kasese Airstrip to internal standards, the construction of a referral hospital and supporting Rwenzururu Heritage University.
“When we transform the infrastructure, we will be able to combat various diseases, boost the economy and provide employment,” Mukula said.
Mukula urged the Omusinga to also convince his subjects who are displaced from their homes in Kasenyi village, Buhuhira Subcounty, where four people were killed in clashes between security organs and the residents on Match 11.
Both the leaders hailed the media for their objective reporting on the conflicts in the Rwenzori region.
After the closed meeting and the press briefing, Mumbere hosted Mukula to a lunch at the palace.
ENDS.
April 2, 2016
Witchcraft, money fueling attacks on security organs
By Joel Kaguta.
Police in Kasese have revealed that those militia-like groups who are involved in attacking security deployments do so under the influence of witchcraft and promises for big money in exchange of guns and other incentives.
According to the Rwenzori East Regional Commander, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Deo Obura, the groups are being sent by some yet undisclosed godfathers.
“They witch doctors incise the attackers and administer herbs into their bodies telling them that the herbs will immunize then against bullets,” the RPC said Friday evening, adding that the witchdoctors are from a neighbouring country.
He was addressing a meeting of top religious and civil society orgnaisations leaders convened and chaired by the bishop South Rwenzori Diocese, Rt Rev Jackson Thembo Nzerebende at the diocesan Agape Guest House in Kamaiba Ward, Kasese Municipality.
According to Nzerebende, the meeting was convened to get updates on the security situation and to chart a common approach to restoring peace and stability in Kasese and to appeal to the security organs to desist from using excessive force during their security operations.
The deputy RDC, Justine Muhindo, urged security organs in the district to strengthen border security to prevent external elements from infiltrating the district and taking advantage of the prevailing conflicts.
“Those we have so far arrested carry herbs wrapped in cloth, bear fresh cuts on various parts of their bodies and tell us the witchdoctors charge them Shs50,000,,” Obura told the meeting, which constantly expressed surprise.
He added, “The suspects as say their leaders have promised to pay Shs200,0000 per gun grabbed from security organs. “
The meeting, attended by the Kasese deputy Resident District Commissioner, Justine Muhindo, included the District Kadhi Sheikh Abdul Hakim Juma, Bishop Ezekiel Mutwanga of the Seventh-Day Adventist Rwenzori Filed, the Chancellor of the Catholic Diocese of Kasese, Fr Expedito Masereka and Rubirizi RDC, Joseph Muranga.
Others included and the chairman of the Kasese District Development Network (KADDE-Net), an umbrella organisation for the district civil society organisation and Major John Baptist Katusabe, the coordinator of Operation wealth Creation in Kasese Municipality.
The meeting comes a day after security operatives of the police flying squad shot and killed Yafesi Mugoye, a Rwenzururu cultural institution royal guard around Shauri Yako market in Kasese town Thursday afternoon.
According to the RPC, Deo Obura, the operatives shot Mugoye to prevent him from grabbing a pistol and rescue his colleague, Juma Muliki who was being arrested in connection with the March night raid on Kidodo police post.
“It was not our intension to kill him. When he attempted to attack the operatives, they tried to immobilize him but unfortunately he later died,” the RPC said.
“The operatives were whisking away the suspect when another man attempted to rescue his colleague and tried grab a pistol from the operatives,” Tumushabe said.
On Good Friday, the Kamwenge deputy RDC, Amidabu Muhindo, survived an attack when a machete-wilding man wanted to grab a gun from the RDC’s escort and kill Amidabu. The RDC’s escort
On the night of March 9, unknown people attacked a joint UPDF and police patrol team in Kikonzo Cell of Hima Town Council.
Concerns
The Chief Executive Officer of Foundation for Rural and Urban Development, Reuben Mbauta, noted that the conflicts were negatively impacting on the district economy.
“This shameful situation must end. Can you imagine that everybody from Kasese is now received with suspicion outside the district?” the Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral, Cornelius Maate, said told the meeting.
The SDA Bishop, Ezekiel Mutwanga, reported that since the bloody clashes between residents and police in Kasenyi village, Buhuhira Subcounty on March 11, church activities had halted because the faithful had fled the village.
Resolutions
Both sides resolved to prevail on the Rwenzururu cultural leader, Charles Wesley Mumbere, the outgoing and in-coming political leaders to work jointly to restore peace and security in the district.
They also committed themselves to holding joint mass mobilisation campaigns through radio, community meetings and to convene an elders’ meeting as well as special peace and reconciliation prayers.
ENDS
2013 Flood News
Click HERE to read Santa Cruz Sentinel Newspaper story published May 15/16, 2013
Published on May 6, 2013
Kasese Flood Update: 8 dead, Gov't to divert flood stream
ntvuganda·8,339 videos 19,903 450 views http://ntvuganda.co.ug/
The death toll stands at 8 as residents of Kasese district continue to feel the impact of the heavy floods that have left many homeless
Heavy trucks blocked on Kasese-Fortportal route ntvuganda·60 views
Posted Tuesday, May 7 2013 at 16:14
In Summary
The displaced people camped at Kasese Primary School.
SHARE THIS STORY
Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) Tuesday launched an appeal to mobilise Shs1.8 billion that would be used to help more than 18,000 victims of the Kasese floods.
Last week, River Nyamwamba burst its banks and triggered floods killing six people and displacing about 3,000 residents.
The displaced people camped at Kasese Primary School.
According Mr Michael Richard Nataka, the URCS secretary general, the money would be used to cater for both material and psychosocial needs of the victims.
“The funds will cater for the provision tarpaulins and construction kits, essential household items and to revive victims’ livelihoods through provision of items like seeds,” Mr Nataka said.
He said URCS in touch with the Office of the Prime Minister and district leaders to ensure that the victims of are resettled.
[email protected]
Tuesday, 07 May 2013 22:51
The Observer
Kasese recovers after the flood News
http://www.observer.ug/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=25161:kasese-recovers-after-the-flood-&catid=34:news&Itemid=114
Written by MOSES TALEMWA & JEFF KIIZA
1 Comments
Almost a week after the river Nyamwamba burst its banks and flooded most of Kasese, the recovery process is now underway, with the police and army trying to evacuate those who are still stranded.
According to Kasese’s fire officer, Amos Tukamuhabwa, the death toll yesterday stood at 10. Four people drowned in Kilembe, while other bodies were found downstream in Bulembya.
“We suspect that some other bodies may be buried in the rubble; so, we are looking out for them, but for now we are concentrating on recovery,” Tukamuhabwa said.
He explained that he had also heard of other deaths of victims in hospitals after they sustained injuries in the floods, although he could not divulge how many. Tukamuhabwa added that the police and army were also involved in a massive cleanup of Kilembe hospital.
“We are cleaning the hospital of silt, rocks and mud that had settled there [after the flood] and we hope that we can reopen the outpatients ward before the end of the week,” he said.
Tukamuhabwa indicated that authorities there had feared that with over 1,800 people displaced, they would have to set up camps for the internally displaced. Remarkably, Kasese residents have taken in most of the victims.
However, over the weekend, Kasese Mayor Godfrey Kabyanga toured flood-prone areas and urged those still staying there to leave immediately. He urged all those vacating their homes to gather in two key areas, Spire-1 Boma and Kasese primary school, where the Red Cross and other volunteers were distributing assistance.
Rwenzururu King Charles Wesley Mumbere Iremangoma visited Kilembe and Kasese on Friday, commiserating with those who had been affected by the floods. Iremangoma toured Kilembe mines premises and Kanyaruboga accompanied by Queen Agnes Ithungu. They were guided through the water-logged Kyanjuki road by Kasese Mayor Godfrey Kabyanga and a number of kingdom ministers.
Recovery process Addressing the public at Bulembia primary school, the Iremangoma regretted the disaster and appealed to the central government to support the victims. He equated this disaster to an earlier one in 1965 although the death toll was over 100 then. He warned against corruption and mischief during the recovery process. On Monday, the Uganda National Roads Authority deployed a team to repair all the broken bridges and reinforce those that were still standing.
Indeed, several bulldozers and earth-moving equipment are in the area, engaged in road works. According to Works Minister John Byabagambi, this work would last two months.
The road connecting Kasese to Fort Portal has also been reopened after the waters receded at Nyakasanga. However, with more rains on Monday, River Mubuku also burst its banks, increasing the tension in the area.
Access to safe water is a big problem. With some of the flood water going through the mine, the Nyamwamba river water is reportedly unsafe for drinking; so the police have deployed their fire hydrant trucks to supply water to Kasese residents.
“It is a tough task, as we have to keep collecting this water from Hima Cement, some 25km away and bring it to Kasese for the residents to use,” Tukamuhabwa said.
The minister of state for Disaster Preparedness, Musa Ecweru, also visited Kasese on Friday and warned of a possible cholera outbreak in some parts of district due to the floods.
The minster, who was shocked at the damage in Bulembia division and Karusandara sub-county, assured the locals that the government would ensure everybody got relief and also called on humanitarian non government organizations to support the relief effort.
Later in the day the District Disaster Management committee explained that most of the victims had lost substantial property. District Vice Chairperson Tadeo Muhindo told a press conference at Kasese municipal hall that over thirty households had been displaced in Karusandara, and most of these had lost their properties, crops and domestic animals like cows and goats, among others.
[email protected],
[email protected]
Publish Date: May 07, 2013
Red Cross seeks sh1.8b for Kasese floods victims
http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/642436-red-cross-seeks-sh1-8b-for-kasese-flood-victims.html
Residents of Kilembe in Kasese carry their house hold items from ruins of their homes. Photo by Bernard Maseseka
By Vision Reporter
The Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) is seeking for sh1.8b to provide emergency assistance to people affected by floods in Kasese district.
The appeal is targeting 18, 000 people (3, 000 households).
The funds will cater for provision of shelter like tarpaulins and construction kits, essential household items (cups, plates, jerrycans, mosquito nets, laundry soap, blankets, saucepans, and buckets), reviving livelihoods through provision of seeds and tool kits.
According to URCS Secretary General Michael Richard Nataka, the funds will also cater for water and sanitation campaign/awareness, provision of psychosocial support to the affected families.
In addition, URCS plans to further distribute water purification tablets to avert any risk of water borne diseases.
In Kasese, the Red Cross working with Office of Prime Minister and district authorities are managing the resettlement area at Kasese Primary School. By Monday evening, 3, 108 people from Bulembia and Nyamwamba divisions (Kilembe area) had been registered at the primary school.
The Red Cross Action teams have been carrying out assessments and from the current figures, 19, 161 people have been affected in the areas of Kilembe and Bulembya (4, 996), Karusandara sub county (10, 906), Kitswamba sub county (1, 139), Kabarugira sib county (561), Bugoye sub county (76), Maliba sub county (1, 341) and Kyalumba sub county (142). Actual figures from Nyambwamba are being finalized.
The teams are intensifying hygiene promotion in the camp as a measure to control disease outbreak.
Meanwhile, the coordinator of rescue and emergency relief services in Kasese Major General Julius Oketta has expressed disappointment over what he called the slow response from the government technical team to respond to the situation.
"I am disappointed that the technical people in Kampala are taking the situation here lightly, we don't need the presence of people here but we need supplies and equipment to help re-direct the water," Gen. Oketta said on Sunday.
This follows the resurgence of floods that ravaged Nyamwamba valley areas in Bulembia division in Kasese Municipality Sunday morning. He said the rains in the Rwenzori Mountains were still unpredictable and set to cause more havoc in Kasese district.
Oketta who doubles as UPDF representative in Parliament made the remarks while briefing local leaders at Kasese Primary School where an emergency camp has been established.
He advised people living in mountainous areas where landslides are eminent to be evacuated immediately. He appreciated the efforts of the local rescue team saying it was working hard to avert the situation.
A senior volunteer with Red Cross Joshua Kaija said that the emergency camp established at Kasese primary school has so far registered 415 people including 315 children.
He said that the people evacuated are mainly from Katiri and Congo quarters in Kasese Municipality.
The Mayor Kasese Municipality noted that whereas some agencies and organizations have donated items for relief aid to flood victims there was shortage of medicine.
"We're appealing for medicine, we have not received medicine ever since we started getting aid both from government and charity organizations," Kabyanga noted.
The Member of parliament Kasese Municipality James Mbahimba lashed out at the government for taking more than usual to respond to the Kasese floods.
"How can central government take five days without responding to proposed solutions to avert the problem, what we need is the equipment that can help to redirect the water and not ministers coming here to assess the situation," Mbahimba told the press at Kasese Primary school.
Published on May 8, 2013
http://ntvuganda.co.ug/
Several traders are stranded in Kasese after floods decimated the Kasese-Fort Portal highway as well as a major highway to the DRC. Traders have resorted to using an alternative routes. This has however slowed down their businesses.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=lktXhcNDN0I
http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Shs1-8-billion-needed-for-Kasese-flood-victims--/-/688334/1845112/-/68x89v/-/index.html Shs1.8 billion needed for Kasese flood victims By Dear Jeanne
Published on May 6, 2013
Kasese Flood Update: 8 dead, Gov't to divert flood stream
ntvuganda·8,339 videos 19,903 450 views http://ntvuganda.co.ug/
The death toll stands at 8 as residents of Kasese district continue to feel the impact of the heavy floods that have left many homeless
Heavy trucks blocked on Kasese-Fortportal route ntvuganda·60 views
Posted Tuesday, May 7 2013 at 16:14
In Summary
The displaced people camped at Kasese Primary School.
SHARE THIS STORY
Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) Tuesday launched an appeal to mobilise Shs1.8 billion that would be used to help more than 18,000 victims of the Kasese floods.
Last week, River Nyamwamba burst its banks and triggered floods killing six people and displacing about 3,000 residents.
The displaced people camped at Kasese Primary School.
According Mr Michael Richard Nataka, the URCS secretary general, the money would be used to cater for both material and psychosocial needs of the victims.
“The funds will cater for the provision tarpaulins and construction kits, essential household items and to revive victims’ livelihoods through provision of items like seeds,” Mr Nataka said.
He said URCS in touch with the Office of the Prime Minister and district leaders to ensure that the victims of are resettled.
[email protected]
Tuesday, 07 May 2013 22:51
The Observer
Kasese recovers after the flood News
http://www.observer.ug/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=25161:kasese-recovers-after-the-flood-&catid=34:news&Itemid=114
Written by MOSES TALEMWA & JEFF KIIZA
1 Comments
Almost a week after the river Nyamwamba burst its banks and flooded most of Kasese, the recovery process is now underway, with the police and army trying to evacuate those who are still stranded.
According to Kasese’s fire officer, Amos Tukamuhabwa, the death toll yesterday stood at 10. Four people drowned in Kilembe, while other bodies were found downstream in Bulembya.
“We suspect that some other bodies may be buried in the rubble; so, we are looking out for them, but for now we are concentrating on recovery,” Tukamuhabwa said.
He explained that he had also heard of other deaths of victims in hospitals after they sustained injuries in the floods, although he could not divulge how many. Tukamuhabwa added that the police and army were also involved in a massive cleanup of Kilembe hospital.
“We are cleaning the hospital of silt, rocks and mud that had settled there [after the flood] and we hope that we can reopen the outpatients ward before the end of the week,” he said.
Tukamuhabwa indicated that authorities there had feared that with over 1,800 people displaced, they would have to set up camps for the internally displaced. Remarkably, Kasese residents have taken in most of the victims.
However, over the weekend, Kasese Mayor Godfrey Kabyanga toured flood-prone areas and urged those still staying there to leave immediately. He urged all those vacating their homes to gather in two key areas, Spire-1 Boma and Kasese primary school, where the Red Cross and other volunteers were distributing assistance.
Rwenzururu King Charles Wesley Mumbere Iremangoma visited Kilembe and Kasese on Friday, commiserating with those who had been affected by the floods. Iremangoma toured Kilembe mines premises and Kanyaruboga accompanied by Queen Agnes Ithungu. They were guided through the water-logged Kyanjuki road by Kasese Mayor Godfrey Kabyanga and a number of kingdom ministers.
Recovery process Addressing the public at Bulembia primary school, the Iremangoma regretted the disaster and appealed to the central government to support the victims. He equated this disaster to an earlier one in 1965 although the death toll was over 100 then. He warned against corruption and mischief during the recovery process. On Monday, the Uganda National Roads Authority deployed a team to repair all the broken bridges and reinforce those that were still standing.
Indeed, several bulldozers and earth-moving equipment are in the area, engaged in road works. According to Works Minister John Byabagambi, this work would last two months.
The road connecting Kasese to Fort Portal has also been reopened after the waters receded at Nyakasanga. However, with more rains on Monday, River Mubuku also burst its banks, increasing the tension in the area.
Access to safe water is a big problem. With some of the flood water going through the mine, the Nyamwamba river water is reportedly unsafe for drinking; so the police have deployed their fire hydrant trucks to supply water to Kasese residents.
“It is a tough task, as we have to keep collecting this water from Hima Cement, some 25km away and bring it to Kasese for the residents to use,” Tukamuhabwa said.
The minister of state for Disaster Preparedness, Musa Ecweru, also visited Kasese on Friday and warned of a possible cholera outbreak in some parts of district due to the floods.
The minster, who was shocked at the damage in Bulembia division and Karusandara sub-county, assured the locals that the government would ensure everybody got relief and also called on humanitarian non government organizations to support the relief effort.
Later in the day the District Disaster Management committee explained that most of the victims had lost substantial property. District Vice Chairperson Tadeo Muhindo told a press conference at Kasese municipal hall that over thirty households had been displaced in Karusandara, and most of these had lost their properties, crops and domestic animals like cows and goats, among others.
[email protected],
[email protected]
Publish Date: May 07, 2013
Red Cross seeks sh1.8b for Kasese floods victims
http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/642436-red-cross-seeks-sh1-8b-for-kasese-flood-victims.html
Residents of Kilembe in Kasese carry their house hold items from ruins of their homes. Photo by Bernard Maseseka
By Vision Reporter
The Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) is seeking for sh1.8b to provide emergency assistance to people affected by floods in Kasese district.
The appeal is targeting 18, 000 people (3, 000 households).
The funds will cater for provision of shelter like tarpaulins and construction kits, essential household items (cups, plates, jerrycans, mosquito nets, laundry soap, blankets, saucepans, and buckets), reviving livelihoods through provision of seeds and tool kits.
According to URCS Secretary General Michael Richard Nataka, the funds will also cater for water and sanitation campaign/awareness, provision of psychosocial support to the affected families.
In addition, URCS plans to further distribute water purification tablets to avert any risk of water borne diseases.
In Kasese, the Red Cross working with Office of Prime Minister and district authorities are managing the resettlement area at Kasese Primary School. By Monday evening, 3, 108 people from Bulembia and Nyamwamba divisions (Kilembe area) had been registered at the primary school.
The Red Cross Action teams have been carrying out assessments and from the current figures, 19, 161 people have been affected in the areas of Kilembe and Bulembya (4, 996), Karusandara sub county (10, 906), Kitswamba sub county (1, 139), Kabarugira sib county (561), Bugoye sub county (76), Maliba sub county (1, 341) and Kyalumba sub county (142). Actual figures from Nyambwamba are being finalized.
The teams are intensifying hygiene promotion in the camp as a measure to control disease outbreak.
Meanwhile, the coordinator of rescue and emergency relief services in Kasese Major General Julius Oketta has expressed disappointment over what he called the slow response from the government technical team to respond to the situation.
"I am disappointed that the technical people in Kampala are taking the situation here lightly, we don't need the presence of people here but we need supplies and equipment to help re-direct the water," Gen. Oketta said on Sunday.
This follows the resurgence of floods that ravaged Nyamwamba valley areas in Bulembia division in Kasese Municipality Sunday morning. He said the rains in the Rwenzori Mountains were still unpredictable and set to cause more havoc in Kasese district.
Oketta who doubles as UPDF representative in Parliament made the remarks while briefing local leaders at Kasese Primary School where an emergency camp has been established.
He advised people living in mountainous areas where landslides are eminent to be evacuated immediately. He appreciated the efforts of the local rescue team saying it was working hard to avert the situation.
A senior volunteer with Red Cross Joshua Kaija said that the emergency camp established at Kasese primary school has so far registered 415 people including 315 children.
He said that the people evacuated are mainly from Katiri and Congo quarters in Kasese Municipality.
The Mayor Kasese Municipality noted that whereas some agencies and organizations have donated items for relief aid to flood victims there was shortage of medicine.
"We're appealing for medicine, we have not received medicine ever since we started getting aid both from government and charity organizations," Kabyanga noted.
The Member of parliament Kasese Municipality James Mbahimba lashed out at the government for taking more than usual to respond to the Kasese floods.
"How can central government take five days without responding to proposed solutions to avert the problem, what we need is the equipment that can help to redirect the water and not ministers coming here to assess the situation," Mbahimba told the press at Kasese Primary school.
Published on May 8, 2013
http://ntvuganda.co.ug/
Several traders are stranded in Kasese after floods decimated the Kasese-Fort Portal highway as well as a major highway to the DRC. Traders have resorted to using an alternative routes. This has however slowed down their businesses.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=lktXhcNDN0I
http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Shs1-8-billion-needed-for-Kasese-flood-victims--/-/688334/1845112/-/68x89v/-/index.html Shs1.8 billion needed for Kasese flood victims By Dear Jeanne