Bulambuli, Uganda – The Ugandan government’s plan to permanently resettle thousands of landslide victims from Bududa, Manafwa, and Bulambuli districts has hit another roadblock due to escalating land ownership disputes.
For months, displaced families have been living in dire conditions at the Bunambutye Temporary Resettlement Camp in Bulambuli District, awaiting relocation to permanent land. However, the process has stalled as conflicting claims over the earmarked land have forced the government to halt purchases, leaving victims stranded in overcrowded tents with limited basic amenities.
During a recent visit to the camp, Hon. Lillian Aber, Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Relief, and Refugees, confirmed that the government had released UGX 50 billion to resettle 4,000 households, with each family slated to receive two acres of land and UGX 10 million for housing and livelihood support.
However, she acknowledged that the process has been delayed due to unresolved land disputes, complicating efforts to relocate the victims.
“We are committed to resettling our people, but we must ensure the land we acquire is free of conflicts,” Aber said, urging local leaders and communities to resolve the ownership issues swiftly.
Resettlement Camp in Bulambuli District
The Bunambutye Camp currently hosts 1,890 people, including 248 families relocated from Bududa in April 2024 after receiving their two-acre land allocations and cash support. Yet, many remain stuck in tents, lacking access to clean water and other essentials.
Some victims admitted to using the UGX 10 million meant for house construction on daily survival needs, worsening their plight.
“Life here is unbearable,” said Majeme Geoffrey, one of the displaced. “We are overcrowded, eat the same food every day, and wake up with nothing to do. We are hardworking people—we need land to farm and rebuild our lives.”
Local leaders, including Bulambuli District LC5 Chairperson Annet Nadudu, criticised the government’s sluggish progress in verifying beneficiaries, causing confusion and delays.
“The government is taking too long to finalise the list of those to be relocated,” Nadudu said. “This indecision is creating tension among the victims.”
Meanwhile, Hon. Gerald Nangoli, MP for Elgon County, warned that continued relocations without permanent settlement have led to overcrowding, discouraging more victims from moving to the camp.
Despite the setbacks, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) continues to relocate families from high-risk landslide zones as a temporary life-saving measure. However, with no clear timeline for permanent resettlement, displaced communities remain in limbo.
