President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has extended emergency financial support to victims of the recent landslides that ravaged parts of the Sebei subregion, claiming at least 15 lives and leaving a trail of destruction in Kween, Bukwo, and Kapchorwa districts.
The relief package was delivered over the weekend by the Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Hon. Lilian Aber, who visited the affected areas to assess the extent of damage and express the government’s sympathy to grieving families.
According to Minister Aber, each household that lost a family member received UGX 5 million, while families with injured persons were given UGX 1 million to cater for urgent needs.
“His Excellency the President has conveyed his condolences to all affected families and offered this assistance to help them cope with immediate challenges,” she said.
The landslides were triggered by continuous rainfall that caused massive soil movements, sweeping away homes, farmland, and roads. In Bukwo District, one family of five tragically lost their lives in the disaster.
Minister Aber described the scene as heartbreaking and confirmed that the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) is coordinating emergency interventions. These include rescue missions, temporary evacuations, and delivery of food and non-food items to displaced residents.
She emphasized the government’s commitment to rebuilding the affected communities and preventing similar tragedies in the future.
“We are working closely with humanitarian agencies and local authorities to provide both immediate and long-term support,” Aber stated.
Residents living on unstable slopes were urged to relocate to safer areas. The Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS), in partnership with OPM and district leaders, has identified a temporary resettlement site near Kapkwata Village, located along the Kween–Bukwo border, to host displaced families.
URCS teams began erecting emergency shelters and distributing relief supplies early Monday morning. The organization is also leading efforts in water and sanitation services, household registration, and psychosocial support for survivors.
In Kanwa Village, Bukwo District, joint teams from the URCS and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) are continuing body recovery operations. The government has supplied 30 body bags to facilitate the exercise.
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the bereaved families. The government stands with them during this difficult period,” Minister Aber added.
Experts continue to warn that the Mount Elgon slopes remain highly susceptible to landslides, urging long-term preventive measures such as reforestation, proper land use, and relocation from danger zones.