Bulambuli, Uganda. Torrential rains pounded Bulambuli District on Wednesday, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. The downpour, which lasted over three hours, severely damaged Bumufuni Seed School and destroyed more than 20 homes, displacing of residents.
Schools and Homes Destroyed
Schools and Homes Destroyed
Two classrooms at Bumufuni Seed School were completely demolished, disrupting students' learning because they now have no place to study. Local authorities fear that without immediate intervention, the academic progress of many children will be severely affected.
The rains also wreaked havoc on residential areas, leaving families homeless. Among the affected residents, Peter Wekesa and Allan Wekasa narrated their ordeal, explaining that they have been forced to seek shelter with neighbors after their homes were either washed away or rendered uninhabitable.
"We have lost everything—our homes, our belongings. We are now sleeping in crowded spaces with relatives and friends. We need urgent help from the government," Wekasa said.
Calls for Emergency Assistance
Distressed residents are appealing to the government and humanitarian organizations for immediate relief, including tents, food, and medical supplies. Many fear that without swift intervention, their situation could worsen, especially with the ongoing rainy season.
Isaac Katenya, the area Member of Parliament, visited the affected communities on Thursday to assess the damage. He expressed deep concern over the devastation and pledged to submit a comprehensive report to the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness and Refugees to expedite emergency response efforts.
"This is a dire situation. Families have been displaced, children cannot go to school, and the risk of disease outbreaks is high. We need urgent support from the government and partners to provide temporary shelters and essential supplies," Katenya said.
Landslides Compound the Crisis
Bulambuli’s hilly terrain makes it highly susceptible to landslides, and the recent heavy rains have triggered multiple mudslides, further compounding the disaster. Reports indicate that in addition to property damage, landslides in the district have claimed lives in the past years.
Local leaders are urging the government to implement long-term mitigation measures, such as improved drainage systems and afforestation programs, to reduce the district’s vulnerability to such disasters in the future.
Government and Humanitarian Response Needed
As the affected communities struggle to recover, calls are growing for a coordinated response from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), the Uganda Red Cross Society, and other disaster response agencies. With more rain forecasted in the coming weeks, time is of the essence to prevent further suffering.
For now, the people of Bulambuli remain in limbo, hoping that help will come before another disaster strikes.
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