Panic among residents as River Nyamwamba water levels increase.

By Baluku Alex

River Nyamwamba in Kasese district again this morning burst its banks, cutting of Kilembe road and entering people’s houses.

Since 2013, Kasese District in the Rwenzori sub-region has been struggling with floods that often cause river banks to burst. The increase in heavy rainfall in the Mountains of Rwenzori is attributed to the changing climate patterns and rapid loss of forest cover, due to trees being cut down to be used as fuel.

On May 10^th of 2020, amidst, COVID-19 first lock-down and restrictions that were instituted by the government of Uganda to curtail the spread of Coronavirus, communities living around Mt. Rwenzori suffered a double tragedy when heavy rains caused a massive destruction to property and lives.

The banks of rivers Nyamwamba and Mubuk burst and caused flooding to nearby households, hospitals, gardens and destroyed livelihoods.

Kilembe mines hospital too was destroyed and a number of households were displaced. And today over 2000 households are displaced and live in makeshift arrangements in different camping areas.

Now, today fears engulfed the residents of Kasese Municipality especially those who are leaving in the Nyamwamba Valley when the river started spilling into their homesteads and farming gardens.

Today’s flooding of River Nyamwamba occurred after a heavy downpour in the Mountains and left two temporary bridges connecting to Kilembe Senior Secondary School and Masule A and B swept away.

At Congo Quarters in Nyakabingo III ward of Bulembia Division, the floods surrounded the whole village making it hard for the over 100 people to cross to other areas for their safety.

Annet Mubuya, a victim who is currently staying in a camp at Katiri Primary School says the floods entered their houses.

Bulembia Division Chairperson, Mr. Richard Bomera said that no body died but people’s properties, including houses and crops were destroyed adding that the Division offices were partly affected by the floods the act that forced them to suspend their official duties.

The Chairperson revealed that flooding now was unpredictable since it is a dry season but the river has continued to burst their banks.

Richard Bomera, the L.C III Chairperson for Bulembia Division, who regretted the incident, said the Division Offices were partly affected. River Nyamwamba flows from Rwenzori Mountain and meanders through settlements downstream. It bursts its banks periodically.