Bulambuli District, Uganda – The Bunabuyte Restatement Camp, which houses victims of recent landslides in Bulambuli District, is facing a growing crisis of domestic violence. According to Mr. Namukono Richard, the LC3 Chairperson of Buluganya Sub County, the camp has seen a sharp increase in domestic violence cases, with more than three incidents reported daily. The root cause, he explains, is the separation of men from their wives due to insufficient tents in the camp.
The camp, managed by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and the Red Cross, was established to provide temporary shelter for families displaced by the devastating landslides. However, the limited number of tents has forced authorities to separate men and women, a decision that has sparked tension and conflict among the displaced families.
Mr. Namukono revealed that many men in the camp are demanding to be allowed to sleep with their wives, arguing that the separation is causing emotional distress and fueling domestic disputes. "The men feel that they should be with their families, especially during such difficult times. The separation is causing a lot of frustration, and this is leading to violence," he said.
Despite these concerns, the OPM and Red Cross have maintained that the current arrangement is necessary due to the limited resources available. "We understand the challenges the families are facing, but the tents are not enough to accommodate each family unit separately. Our priority is to ensure everyone has a roof over their heads," a representative from the Red Cross explained.
The situation has left camp authorities and local leaders grappling with how to address the rising cases of domestic violence while managing the logistical constraints of the camp. Community leaders are calling for urgent intervention from the government and humanitarian organizations to provide additional tents and psychosocial support to the affected families.
"We need more tents and counseling services to help these families cope with the trauma of displacement and the stress of living in such conditions," Mr. Namukono emphasized. "If nothing is done, the situation could escalate further."
As the camp continues to struggle with overcrowding and limited resources, the plight of the landslide victims highlights the broader challenges of managing disaster response and ensuring the well-being of displaced populations. For now, the families in Bunabuyte Restatement Camp remain caught between the need for shelter and the desire to stay together during these trying times.
