By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
The government of Uganda has been urged to consider long-term measures including resettlement programs, comprehensive disaster preparedness plans, and effective early warning systems for those living in disaster-prone areas to mitigate future tragedies.
The remarks were made by the FDC Secretary General, Hon. Nathan Nandala Mafabi in a condolence to the bereaved families of Thursday’s Bulambuli disaster.
At least 15 people have died and 113 others are missing after landslides buried homes in six villages in eastern Uganda on Thursday. Another 15 injured people have been rescued and admitted to Buluganya Health Center.
The Uganda Red Cross Society said Thursday that 13 bodies had been recovered after landslides buried 40 homes and the rescue effort was continuing. Further reports indicate that death toll could rise to 30.
Nandala attributed the scale of the devastation to a lack of sustainable solutions and preparedness in the country, and called for urgent need to address the effects of climate change and natural disasters on vulnerable communities.
He urged the government to prioritize rescue operations and provide immediate support to the affected families.
“It is unacceptable that even in the aftermath of such disasters, it is often the initiative of locals to recover the bodies of their loved ones. There is an urgent need for a well-equipped and rapid-response disaster rescue team to address such emergencies effectively,” Nandala Mafabi said.
