Uganda is set to be battered by more than a month’s rain today – with dozens of flood alerts and severe weather warnings in place.
From a moderate last half of April, Ugandans will be bringing out rain coats and umbrellas again as they face torrential downpours and strong winds.
The Office of the Prime Minister, Disaster Preparedness and Management Department has issued the latest Flood Risk Alert message warning the general public that the rain-season is currently at its peak.
People are strongly advised not to walk or to allow a driver or bodaboda-rider to take them through a flooded road or bridge even if when the floods appear very low below the knees or rim of the car, government warned.
Motorist have been warned that it takes about 15 minutes for most flash-floods to clear and should wait until the flash-floods have cleared.
Severe weather warnings for heavy rain have been extended to cover much of western and mountainous areas of Elgon.
According to Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA), the month of May marks the peak of the March to May “Long Rains” seasonal rainfall.
Overall, the May forecast indicates that most parts of the country are expected to have enhanced rainfall. However, the mountain areas of Rwenzori and Elgon plus the highlands of South Western Uganda are expected to receive above the average rainfall which might impact negatively to the communities in those areas.
Kampala City suburbs such as Kasubi, Katanga, Kisenyi, Nalukolongo, Kabuusu, Katwe, Namungoona, and Kinawataka among others are some of the most affected places and the recurrent weather conditions are threatening public health in several homes around slums in Kampala as a result of blocked drainage systems, poor sanitation and hygiene.
Other flooding-prone areas in the city include Queen’s Way, Ssebaana Kizito Road (Former Nakivubo Mews), Kabuusu junction, Jinja Road roundabout and Kyambogo-Banda, among others.
The previous floods have left dozens dead.
Bududa wrecked by fresh landslides
Over 2000 residents displaced by landslides in the different villages of Bududa Sub County in Bududa District have sought refuge in the nearby schools, churches and trading centres.
The multiple landslides, which occurred on Friday night following a heavy down pour, left several villages affected including Shamwanza, Shiaza, Buhasiru East, Bukhasiru West, Buwaninda, Makalama, Sholelo, Nafunane, Bunateme and Bukhalobo. Several acres of gardens, livestock, and houses were destroyed, though, there were no reports of deaths or injuries.
In 2011 a mudslide in Bulambuli killed about 28 people. In March 2012, mudslides killed six people in Sironko District and in June 2012, another mudslide buried 18 people in Bududa District. Last year, 10 people were buried in Sironko landslide.
A mapping survey done by the geo-technical in the department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Climatic science at Makerere University in 2015, found that a fresh 40km-crack on the slopes of Mt Elgon had developed and warned of looming landslides.
