Government’s Ongoing Efforts to Resettle Communities in Landslide-Prone Areas
The government has consistently emphasized both immediate and long-term measures to resettle communities living in areas prone to landslides. This commitment is particularly crucial following recent natural disasters that have claimed lives and displaced numerous families.
The Minister of Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Mr Hillary Onek, has reiterated the government’s dedication to relocating families affected by recent landslides in Sebei Sub-region to safer locations. However, challenges persist, as local leaders have pointed out that some families displaced by past landslides were identified for relocation three years ago by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), yet they remain in hazardous conditions.
“We will relocate them to settle in safer areas, but the challenge we face is that the people of Mt Elgon don’t want to be relocated outside their region. If they are taken elsewhere, they often return to the landslide-prone areas,” Mr Onek explained during a phone interview with Daily Monitor.
Recent Landslide Tragedy
Last week, heavy rains triggered multiple landslides in Kween, Bukwo, and Kapchorwa districts, resulting in 21 fatalities, including a child whose body was recovered from the rubble on Tuesday. Over 12 others are still reported missing. The Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), supported by police and local volunteers, is actively retrieving bodies in Kwanwa Village, Kapteka Parish, Chesower Sub-county, Bukwo District.
Mr Onek disclosed that the government is currently acquiring 2,000 acres of land in Bulambuli and Kween districts to resettle survivors of the landslides. However, he acknowledged that this amount is insufficient to accommodate the current number of displaced individuals.
“We are in the process to procure about 2,000 acres of land, but even that is not enough to accommodate the current numbers. We need more land,” he stated.
Urgent Calls for Evacuation
The State Minister for Disaster Preparedness, Ms Lillian Aber, has urged residents living in disaster-prone hilly areas to vacate immediately. “Those who resist will be forcibly relocated by the army and police to prevent further deaths,” she warned.
Local MPs have also expressed concerns. Mr Solomon Chelangat, the MP for Too County in Bukwo District, highlighted the struggles of communities dealing with the constant threat of landslides. “We need urgent intervention, not just pronouncements,” he said.
Cash Transfer Strategy and Relocation Plans
In 2024, the government introduced a cash transfer strategy aimed at accelerating the relocation of households in landslide-prone areas. According to Mr Fredmark Chesang, the police spokesperson for the Sipi Sub-region, plans are underway to move survivors from the resettlement camp in Muyok Sub-county to Benet Primary School in Kween District. This is because the land in Muyok belongs to the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).
“The OPM and district officials have plans to relocate the survivors to Benet Primary School,” Mr Chesang said.
Historical Context of Relocation Efforts
Following the 2010 landslides in Bududa District, survivors were relocated to government land in Kiryandongo District. However, most returned due to unfavourable living conditions.
In 2019, the government procured land in Bugisu Sub-region, Bulambuli District, and has since resettled nearly 300 families, totaling approximately 5,000 people.