By Amos Thembo

Rwenzori region has been a hotbed of torrential floods. The recent floods and landslides in Kilembe Sub County, Bulembia and Nyamwamba divisions displaced 240 families into refugee camps at Muhokya, Kahokya, Kyambogo Primary School and Katulu Church of Uganda. The livelihoods and living styles of women and children were greatly affected. 

It is sickening and befuddling to see continuous violation of children’s rights, an act that blurs their future. The children have been exposed to hunger, malnutrition, child labor, defilement, uncouth behaviors and child sacrifice because of their vulnerability. The Increased desertion of responsibilities by fathers has resulted into psychosocial challenges among the children and women at these camps and other vulnerable families in the affected areas. This has escalated the Ubiquitous forms of domestic violence among the rural communities. In addition to government, our ardent relief support to affected groups is not enough to curb the increasing vulnerability.  Much more is still needed to ensure that the children’s and women’s rights are not violated. 

A Picture showing the life of Children at Kahokya Camp in Kasese District displaced by floods and landslides

A picture showing a pathetic leaving style of children and women at the Kahokya Camp in Kasese District displaced by floods and landslides

A picture showing the impact of May-July floods on Masojo Primary School –Ntoroko District-Rwenzori Sub Region

It’s very clear in black and white that Rwenzori region currently faces average change in weather patterns.  Since May, there has been a lot of rain as opposed to the past years. This has led to continuous flooding of River Nyamawamba and other rivers in the region. Nyamwamba burst its banks on Sunday 15 August, 2021 and left a huge impact on the community. The roads were swept, one student at Kilembe Senior Secondary School drowned and a lot of property was lost. 

August and September are months of rain and much more is expected. This poses a big threat to the vulnerable community living in the river basins and mountainous areas that face landslides. 

A video showing Sunday August 17, 2021 Nyamwamba floods