The Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS), has donated non-food items worth 40 million shillings to the victims of the recent landslides.
The landslides that were triggered by a heavy downpour in Bulambuli on 25th May left five people dead, injuring several others and directly affecting over 200 households (1000 people). The fatal incident was in the parishes of Bumasobo and Buluganya in the villages of Masugu, Namakere, Kagulu and Namagugu, Bulambuli district. The affected households are in urgent need of shelter, food, clothing among others.
Under the coordination of the office of the Prime Minister, Uganda Red Cross has given out relief non-food items to 200 families and the office of the Prime Minister will deliver food aid to the victims. The distribution of the items was witnessed off by the state minister for refugees, relief and disaster preparedness, Hon Esther Davinia Anyakun, URCS Secretary General Mr. Robert Kwesiga, Bulambuli woman member of Parliament Hon. Irene Muloni and other Bulambuli district officials.
The items comprised of solar lamps, blankets, tarpaulins, jerrycans, mosquito nets, bars of soap, cups, plates, knives, saucepans and aqua tabs.
While handing over the items, in an event that was at Bukibologoto primary school, the URCS Secretary General, Mr. Robert Kwesiga expressed sympathy to the victims and pledged more support.
“We will give out cash through our Cash Transfer Program, and also support women with Menstrual Hygiene management kits.” Kwesiga said.
The state minister for refugees, relief and disaster preparedness, Hon Esther Davinia Anyakun, who received the consignment and was the guest of honor at the handover event thanked the Uganda Red Cross Society for its timely responsiveness whenever a disaster strikes.
“We identify with families that lost dear ones and call upon those still staying in the affected areas to vacate because we don’t want to lose more lives,” Anyakun said.
The Government has since 2019 been relocating landslide victims together with those living in high-risk areas of Mount Elgon region, in the districts of Bududa, Namisindwa, Bulambuli, Manafwa and Sironko to Bunambutye sub county in Bulambuli district.