Bulambuli District, (UG):- Survivors of the catastrophic Bulago landslides in Bulambuli District which claimed the lives of about 100 people have voiced urgent appeals to the Government of Uganda and the cultural institution of Inzu Ya Masaba, requesting essential support to improve their living conditions.
The infamous Bulago landslides left over 2,000 individuals displaced and are currently in dire need of additional aid.
On Tuesday, December 03, officials from Inzu Ya Masaba visited the affected areas in Bulambuli to assess the state of cultural sites and strategize on mobilizing support.
During the visit, the landslide survivors expressed gratitude to the government for the assistance already provided, which includes burial support and food supplies like posho, beans, and porridge. However, they likened their plight to the famous line from Oliver Twist, requesting “more” to meet their basic needs and ensure a minimally decent existence.
The survivors listed critical gaps in aid, including the lack of sanitary pads, blankets, mattresses, firewood, mosquito nets, soap, basins, clothing, and tents. These items, they said, are essential for their survival in the camps.
Meanwhile, Bulambuli District officials, including Chief Administrative Officer Emmy Olaboro and District Chairperson Hon. Nandudu Annet applauded the government and donors such as Oxfam, UNICEF, CRS, and Caritas for their swift response.
Despite these efforts, the officials stressed that much remains to be done to address the full scale of the crisis.
In response to these appeals, Umukuka III has constituted a committee led by the Minister for Disaster within Inzu Ya Masaba to spearhead mobilization efforts. Committee members include Hon. Priscilla Mungoma, Hon. Samuel Watulatsu, Hon. Kalid Mansa, Hon. Irene Khainza, and the spokesperson of Inzu Ya Masaba.
The institution, DailyExpress understands, plans to rally the Bamasaba community both in Uganda and abroad, as well as the international community, to supplement the government’s ongoing relief efforts and His Highness Jude Mike Mudoma, Umukuka III of Inzu Ya Masaba, has set a deadline for this initiative to take shape before the close of the week.
The Umukuka has tasked the Woboya Committee to rally the Bamasaba community within Uganda, Kenya, and the diaspora. Mobilization efforts are being directed toward communities in South Africa, the United Kingdom—under the leadership of Hon. Michael Materesi—and the United States—led by Hon. Prof. Florence Wakoko.
Bulambuli has become a refuge for victims of previous disasters from Bududa and Namisindwa districts. Now, with the addition of displaced residents from upper Bulambuli, the government’s role in providing housing and food remains pivotal.
Umukuka III commended the government for the support extended so far but called for greater collective action to sustain the ongoing efforts. During the visit, Inzu Ya Masaba officials emphasized the need for vigilance within the camps, urging the community to protect young girls from potential dangers posed by older boys. “We don’t want pregnancies here; we are not here for leisure,” they warned.
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