More than 300 homesteads in Kyangwali Sub-county, Kikuube District, have been submerged by fresh floods triggered by the rising water levels of Lake Albert.
The most affected residents are from the landing sites of Kiina, Kyakapere, Songa, Kyakasambo, and Sunzu in Buhuka Parish, Kyangwali Sub-county.
Victims report that water levels began rising in September, forcing many to seek refuge in churches, schools, or relatives’ homes under challenging conditions.
The floods have also rendered most access roads impassable, complicating access to essential services such as health facilities, markets, schools, and churches. Jamony Kilion, a resident of Sunzu Landing Site, revealed that his three houses have been submerged since September, leaving his family to sleep outdoors.
Midar Ochama from Songa Landing Site said his two houses were also submerged, forcing him and his family to seek shelter at a relative’s home.
Joyce Kabandole, from Kiina Landing Site, described the dire situation, citing the lack of food, clean water, and medical supplies.
Ben Mutoro, a resident of Kyakasambo Landing Site, has lost three houses and fears a potential outbreak of diseases like cholera and malaria.
Buhuka LC2 Chairperson, Reginal Okumu, described the victims’ living conditions as appalling, lamenting the lack of government intervention.
He warned that more homes could be submerged if immediate action isn’t taken. Kikuube LC5 Vice Chairperson, Vincent Alpha Opio, acknowledged the severity of the disaster, emphasizing that many victims are homeless and cannot afford basic needs.
Opio mentioned that the district disaster management committee is profiling the affected residents to forward their details to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) for urgent intervention.
In October, over 1,000 homesteads in Butiaba Town Council and Butiaba Sub-county in Buliisa District were similarly submerged due to Lake Albert’s rising water levels.
The most affected included residents from multiple landing sites, including Magali, Piida, Kigangaizi, and Boma. Many victims resorted to sleeping under trees, in churches, schools, or makeshift shelters.
This follows a 2020 flood incident that displaced over 3,500 families in Buliisa, with significant damage to property, infrastructure, and health facilities.
Despite government awareness of these challenges, interventions remain inadequate, leaving victims vulnerable and exposed to recurring risks.