Geologists in Kasese are raising alarms over the government's inadequate flood management strategies for the Nyamwamba River, arguing that current efforts fail to address the root causes of the frequent flooding that has long plagued the region.
Despite a history of severe floods, experts believe that existing measures are insufficient to mitigate the ongoing risks.
The Nyamwamba River, flowing from the Rwenzori Mountains through Kasese Municipality, has been a source of repeated devastation.
Major floods were recorded in 1964 and again in 2013, causing significant loss of life and extensive property damage.
Historically, Kilembe Mines Limited, under Canadian management, managed flooding by regularly de-silting the river, a practice that has since been largely abandoned.
Alex Akwatampora , the president of Geologists-Ug, emphasized that while initiatives like bamboo planting along the river’s catchment area are commendable, they are not enough.
“The focus should be on acquiring machinery for regular de-silting of the river channel,” Akwatampora stated.
“Current efforts are falling short, as sedimentation continues to clog the channel and exacerbate flooding.”
Recent geological assessments support these concerns, highlighting a rapid accumulation of silt that worsens the flooding problem.
"Sediment control measures are currently inadequate," Akwatampora added.
Local residents share these concerns. Robert Centenary, a resident of Kasese, advocates for the introduction of advanced machinery to manage the river’s flow more effectively.
“Regular sediment removal could significantly reduce flood risks,” Centenary suggested.
Authorities are being called upon to implement more effective solutions to safeguard both the river and the surrounding communities.
“Human settlement and activities along the riverbanks contribute significantly to the flooding problem,” Akwatampora warned.
With 596 households recently affected by flooding in Kasese, the urgent need for improved flood management strategies is apparent.
Enhanced measures are crucial to prevent further loss and protect the vulnerable communities living along the Nyamwamba River.
