70Km Land Crack in Bududa Causes Panic

A massive 70-kilometer crack has affected ten sub-counties in Bududa District, extending to the Sebei region, prompting the government to enforce the immediate relocation of affected residents. 

The affected sub-counties include Bubita, Buwali, Bukalasi, Bundesi, Bufuma, Mabono, Bushiyi, Bulucheke, Bushika, and Bumwalukani.

During a visit to the affected areas on Monday, Prime Minister Robina Nabbanja directed the immediate relocation of residents to safer areas. She emphasized the urgency of the situation, warning that the residents are at high risk of landslides, especially if the rains persist.

Milton Kamoti, the LC V Chairperson of Bududa District, reported that over 5,000 households are affected by the cracks, with more than 200 houses already collapsed. He expressed fears that continued rainfall could result in catastrophic mudslides, similar to the 2019 Nametsi landslide that claimed over 80 lives.

Kamoti added that after the Prime Minister’s directive, local authorities have urged all residents in the danger zones to evacuate to safer areas while waiting for government compensation or resettlement to the Bunambutye resettlement area.

Samuel Mandu and Keveni Wakhata, residents living near the cracks, expressed readiness to vacate if the government provides compensation. They called on the government to expedite the relocation process to prevent loss of lives.

Residents hope that relocation and resettlement efforts will be swift to avoid a repeat of past tragedies.