UPDF Leads Other Government Agencies in Disaster Management and Recovery Efforts.

By Ronald Kasoma On Dec 13, 2024 67

File Photo: President Museveni commissions one of the houses constructed Under Bunambutye Resettlement Project. The UPDF played a critical role in the project.

BY Lt. Marjorie M Ndagire

The recent landslide that ravaged Buluganya Sub-county in Bulambuli district has left a devastating mark, claiming 31 lives and displacing hundreds of families. As recovery efforts continue, the Ugandan government is highlighting its long-term commitment to providing shelter and security for victims of recurring natural disasters in the Elgon sub-region.

Through the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), the Government of Uganda (GOU) has so far constructed 305 housing units at the Bunambutye Resettlement Camp to accommodate Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). The initiative, carried out in partnership with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Uganda Police Force (UPF), demonstrates a proactive approach to disaster management and community rehabilitation.

The housing project, completed in 2022 after three years of phased construction, has provided permanent homes to families displaced by landslides in Bududa, Bulambuli, and Manafwa districts. Each housing unit features two bedrooms, a sitting room, and a lined pit latrine, ensuring comfort and dignity for the beneficiaries.

The Bunambutye Resettlement project houses are fitted with all the required amenities to support people’s day to day livelihoods.

The project was executed in four phases:

Phase One: 101 units

Phase Two: 140 units

Phase Three: 22 units

Phase Four: 42 units

According to Brig. Gen. Fred Rugadya Akiki, Head of the National Emergency Coordination Centre at the OPM, 2,023 temporary residents are currently registered at the Bunambutye Resettlement Camp. “We are working with various ministries and NGOs to provide essential services, including clean water, mosquito nets, and medical care,” he noted.

The UPDF, led by Maj. Gen.Don Nabasa the 3 Infantry Division Commander has been at the forefront of both search and recovery operations following the Bulambuli landslide and the construction of the resettlement camp. Soldiers have been instrumental in retrieving victims, such as Waniala Paul, 55, from Masugu village, while also assisting in building robust housing structures.

Maj. Gen. Don Nabasa emphasized the UPDF’s dedication to national service, stating, “Our forces will not relent until we have recovered all missing persons and ensured the safety of every Ugandan in affected areas.” He also called for additional equipment to expedite recovery efforts, citing the challenging terrain.

File Photo: Soldiers from the 3 Division Infantry leading in the recovery of victims of the Bulambuli landslides recently. The affected residents will also be relocated to another safe location.

To accommodate the displaced households, the Ministry of Works has begun upgrading access roads to improve connectivity in and around the resettlement camp. The government has also allocated funds for drilling additional boreholes on plot 148 to ensure access to clean water in Bunambutya resettlement Camp.

Efforts to ensure effective management include grouping displaced persons by sub-county and constituency. Security at the sites is provided by a collaboration between the UPDF, UPPF, and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

The government’s efforts have been bolstered by the involvement of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) such as the Uganda Red Cross, UNFPA, Oxfam, Caritas, CRS, Salvation Army and ACORD. These partners have provided vital resources, including large tents, fumigation services, and a standby ambulance.

Brig Gen. Rugadya acknowledged the critical role of these organizations, saying, “The combined efforts of government agencies and our NGO partners have ensured that the immediate needs of displaced families are met while we work towards long-term solutions.”

Despite these efforts, challenges remain. The demand for housing far exceeds supply, and funding constraints have slowed some aspects of recovery and resettlement. Additionally, the government recognizes the need to address the root causes of landslides, such as deforestation and poor farming practices. To this end, reforestation programs and sensitization campaigns are being prioritized to mitigate further environmental degradation in the Elgon sub-region.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, during a visit to Bunambutye, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding citizens. “These homes are a testament to our promise to rebuild lives and ensure no Ugandan is left behind. However, we urge all stakeholders to support our efforts in building a resilient Uganda,” she said.

The Bunambutye Resettlement Camp is a beacon of hope for the thousands of families displaced by landslides. The project underscores the power of collaboration between the government, security forces, and development partners in creating sustainable solutions for disaster-prone communities.

Bunambutye Health Centre III located in the resettlement camp to ensure critical and essential services are brought closer to the resettled people.

As the UPDF continues search and recovery operations in Bulambuli, the housing initiative provides a template for addressing similar challenges across Uganda. It is a reminder that even in the face of disaster, there is an opportunity to rebuild stronger and more resilient communities.

For Uganda, the resettlement camp represents not only a response to immediate needs but also a commitment to a safer, more secure tomorrow.