Among directs OPM to clarify emergency measures amid nationwide flooding

The Speaker, Anita Among has instructed the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) to provide an explanation regarding the emergency measures implemented in response to the numerous floods and landslides reported throughout the country.

This directive was issued on Thursday as Among led Parliament in honouring Yahaya Hassan, a Marine Engineer with the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) stationed in Pakwach, who tragically lost his life while attempting to rescue individuals trapped by the floods.

The incident occurred on the afternoon of November 27, following heavy rainfall that resulted in significant flooding along River Tangi on the Olwiyo–Pakwach road in Nwoya District.

In light of the tragedy, Among expressed her concerns about the ongoing disasters linked to the recent increase in rainfall and urged the OPM to take immediate action.

"I am reliably informed that the taxi which was trapped amidst the floods was successfully retrieved and the passengers are safe. However, on a sad note, in the process of rescue, we lost one of the engineers of UNRA and that was really very tragic but we must take note that the floods are all over the country,” Among said.

“When you go to the East, the floods are there, I am informed that Nabuyonga Road entering to Mbale is off, you can’t enter, the road between Mbale and Soroti, you can’t cross, Tirinyi Road has the same problem. The landslides in Bulambuli have been reported to have buried 14 households, the process of recovering the bodies is ongoing, we really need an urgent action from the Prime Minister’s Office and these people need to be supported,” she added.

According to David Mudong Ongom, the spokesperson for the Aswa West Region Police, a reckless driver named Mohammed Okello, who works for Elite Transporters Company, attempted to cross a rapidly flowing river while traveling from Arua to Lira with 12 passengers. Unfortunately, the vehicle became stuck in the middle of the river with all passengers inside.

Reports indicate that officials from the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA), police officers, and a UPDF Marine Unit quickly mobilised to rescue those stranded.

However, during the rescue operation, a UNRA-provided rescue boat capsized due to the strong currents and high water levels, trapping Yahaya beneath the overturned vessel.

Tragically, he lost his life before rescuers could reach him.

"It’s alleged that the engineer was trapped beneath the boat. His body was discovered later during the search. The rest of the personnel aboard were saved by a UPDF marine team," Richard Anyama, the Nwoya District Police Commander confirmed.

In response to the incident, UNRA has temporarily prohibited all vehicles from using the road on either side, allowing only pedestrians to pass.