Nyamwamba River Floods Parts of Kasese Town

Families in Kasese Municipality are being forced to flee their homes as rising water levels in River Nyamwamba spill into parts of the town, leaving residents fearing that more homes could be swept away. 

 

The river has diverted from its main course and overflowed into the Kamulikwizi channel, sending floodwaters through the heart of Kasese and threatening several neighbourhoods.

The affected areas include Congo Quarter, Base Camp Lower, Mumbuzi, Kisanga A, Nyakasanga West and Kamulikwizi Cell. As the water continues to spread, some residents have evacuated their homes and moved to safer areas, while others remain behind amid fears that the situation could deteriorate.

The situation is particularly serious in Kanyangeya Village in Nyamwamba Division, where heavy and persistent rains have left a trail of destruction. Deo Isemamba, the Kanyangeya LC1 Chairperson, says more than 13 households have lost their homes to the floods.

For residents, the biggest concern is the unpredictability of River Nyamwamba, which they say can burst its banks without warning. Brian Kagwa, a resident of Kanyangeya, said the recurring floods are putting people’s lives at risk because it is difficult to predict when the river will overflow.



Herbert Ndagize, a resident of Majengo, said authorities need to urgently address the condition of River Nyamwamba, including desilting the river and strengthening gabions to contain the water. Allen Biira, the District Councillor for Nyamwamba Division, appealed to the government to prioritise families affected by the floods.

Biira called for immediate relief supplies, including food, bedding and temporary shelters, for residents who have been displaced. Kikusa Mustafa, the Assistant Chief Administrative Officer and Chairperson of the District Disaster Management Committee, urged the national government to honour its pledge to desilt River Nyamwamba.

He said clearing the river could help reduce the risk of future flooding. As heavy rains are expected to continue throughout the month, residents have been urged to remain vigilant, avoid crossing flooded rivers and take necessary precautions. 

 

Kikusa said Kasese district authorities remain on high alert, monitoring water levels and coordinating relief efforts for people displaced by the floods.