KAMPALA, Aug 23 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Following sustained heavy rains, River Manafwa has burst its banks, displacing more than 7,000 people in six sub-counties in Butaleja District.
The resultant flooding has cut off the Butaleja–Mbale road from Leresi Town Council to Manafwa Bridge, paralysing transport. Vehicles are being diverted through Budaka to Mbale, and via the Nangongera–Tororo road to Mbale. Several homes and acres of crops such as maize, rice, beans, potatoes, and cassava have been submerged.
Michael Higenyi, the chairperson of Butaleja District, described the disaster as “the biggest flood we have ever had in the history of Butaleja”, adding that the waters have reached areas which had not previously experienced flooding.
“The situation is alarming beyond the normal,” he said.
“We have created two evacuation centres at Manafwa Primary School in Maiz-Masa and at Leresi Town Council, but it is difficult to move people there because all roads have been cut off,” he added.
Higenyi attributed the flooding to heavy rains in the Elgon region, saying Butaleja, a low-lying area, is susceptible to flooding. He warned of a possible outbreak of diseases such as cholera and malaria, appealing to the Ministry of Health “to increase the supply of drugs”.
Locals have been paying between Shs1,000 and Shs5,000 to cross the flooded areas. Muhammad Wafula, who has been ferrying people, said:“The water is too much, but we are helping people cross.”
Recent major floods in May 2021 and April 2024, left thousands of people displaced, crops destroyed, and claimed lives. — NNN-AGENCIES
