Residents and leaders of Kyabolhokya Cell in Kasese District are raising serious concerns over a massive gully that has been expanding since the 1980s, posing significant threats to lives, property, and security in the area.
The gully, estimated to be 100 meters deep, 70 meters wide, and over two kilometers long, has already swallowed large sections of land, forcing some residents to live dangerously close to its unstable edges.
The gully, located in Mpondwe Lhubiriha Town Council, was formed due to excessive runoff water and landslides, according to Town Council Engineer Geoffrey Okello.
He explains that years of unregulated water flow and soil erosion have worsened the situation.
"One possible short-term solution could be diverting runoff water away from the valley and filling it up with soil to reclaim lost land," Okello suggests.
Despite efforts to limit movement near the gully, some farmers continue to cultivate perilously close to its edge, increasing the risk of accidents.
"Its so unfortunate that even after putting boundaries some people still want to cross upto the periphery of the gully. But we shall continue with sensitization", Moses Mugisa the town Clark Mpondwe Lhubiriha Town Council said.
Authorities are also worried about the security implications of the gully. With its proximity to the Uganda-Congo border, the local leadership fears it could become a hideout for criminals and illegal activities.
Stephen Bwambale, the LC1 Chairperson of Kyabolhokya Cell, urges urgent intervention to prevent potential security threats.
"This place is too bushy to make a very good hideout for rebels and being near the border puts us at risk".
Leaders in Mpondwe Lhubiriha Town Council acknowledge that the problem is beyond their capacity. Deputy Mayor Yunus Kahwa states that the gully is simply too vast for the town council to handle alone.
"We have tried our best as council, but i think we need immediate backup," says Kahwa.
Town Clerk Moses Mugisa echoes the call for urgent government intervention, emphasizing that without a comprehensive strategy, more land and property will be lost, and residents will continue to live in danger.
"This issue requires national intervention. The central government must conduct a thorough study and implement lasting solutions before it worsens," says Moses.
With the gully's continued expansion threatening homes, livelihoods, and security, residents and leaders hope that the central government will take swift action to address this long-standing crisis before disaster strikes.