Homesteads, schools submerged as floods ravage Butaleja
Floods have once again wreaked havoc in Butaleja District, leaving numerous homesteads and gardens submerged.
Families in the affected areas have been forced to seek refuge with relatives both within and outside the district as heavy rains continue to batter Bukedi and Bugisu subregions.
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The persistent downpour has caused River Boast to overflow, exacerbating the disaster.
The situation has not only disrupted livelihoods but also affected the education sector.
At Hoho Primary School in Mazimasa Subcounty, management has been forced to dismiss lower primary classes (P.1 to P.3) to safeguard the lives of pupils.
"The waters have really done us bad. It has not only affected learning but also destroyed crops the school had planted, like tomatoes and potatoes, meant to support the children," lamented Abdu Swamadu Shema, the school’s headteacher.
The flooding has also crippled the district’s road network, with key roads such as Busolwe–Butaleja and Butaleja–Nabiganda becoming impassable.
This has isolated communities, making it harder to access essential services and support.
Hamira Yunusu, the Butaleja District Speaker, expressed deep concern over the situation, particularly as it coincides with the harvesting season.
"The situation is still tense. Our people were almost harvesting their crops, but now they are staring at losses," he said.
Local authorities fear that if the rains persist, the district could face severe food shortages and worsening economic hardships.
Efforts to address the crisis are yet to be announced, as the community waits for support from both local and national stakeholders to mitigate the disaster's impact.
