By Bisola Adeyemo
Locals and leaders in Sironko District on Wednesday expressed fear over the periodic reoccurence of landslide in Uganda urging the government to relocate victims to a safer place.
Among fresh cracks include a three-kilometer crack running through several villages of Washango, Bumagaba, Simi, Salo, Bukilindya, and Zamugogoni, among others in Bukiise and other neighbouring sub-counties.
A week ago, a landslide occurred in the villages of Bukirindya, Busiu Nalugugu, and Kilulu in Bukirindya Parish, Bukise Sub-county, leaving several animals dead and crops destroyed.
The landslide also buried two homes and displaced about 600 residents, who are now living with relatives. Fortunately, no human life was lost.
Speaking with Daily Monitor, Mr Sam Welikhe, the Salo Village chairperson, who said with the ongoing downpour, their lives are under danger.
His word “With these cracks, landslides are likely to occur again. We cannot leave because certainly, we have nowhere to go.”
Mr Welikhe said most of their houses have also developed cracks, and that they are susceptible to flooding whenever it rains.
“The water emerges from underground in our houses when it rains heavily. We are living in deplorable conditions,” he said.
Mr Simon Gibune, another affected resident, urged the government to relocate them to a safer place.
“We are ready to vacate and buy land from other safe places if the government is ready to support us financially,” he said.
Mr Yofesi Malanga, the area district councillor, said as district leaders, they are disappointed with the government on the issue of resettlement.
“The government gambles with people’s lives. They are never serious and the issue of relocating people to Bunambutye [Resettlement Camp in Bulambuli District] seems to have lost track,” Mr Malanga, said.
Mr Malanga said the district wrote to the concerned ministry over the looming disaster but they have not received any positive response.
“The government should respond by supporting affected people with relief items such as food and iron sheets,” he said.