Red Cross seeks UGX1.3bn for Bududa victims

Uganda red cross boss Robert Kwesiga launching the Buduuda appeal

The Uganda Red Cross society is seeking up to UGX1.3bn to accommodate the more than 700 Bududa residents but also conduct emergency preparations to evacuate most-at-risk communities which face death from possible landslides because of anticipated heavy rains.

An estimated 50 people were killed by mudslides on October 11, 2018 when river Tsuume burst its banks taking away heavy stones and mud as it rumbled down the hills of Bukalasi.

The General Secretary of the Uganda Red Cross society Robert Kwesiga says that they hope to raise some UGX1.3bn from the emergency appeal for the 139 households.

Addressing the media at the Uganda Red Cross society headquarters in Rubaga, Kwesiga says that they need the money urgently in order to find temporary shelter and food for the affected persons.

He observed that the appeal is urgent because of the anticipated increase in rain as per forecasts by the Uganda National Meteorological Authority.

URC says it anticipates some 5000 people to be affected by the heavy rains hence the need for the humanitarian body to prepare communities and take on urgent emergency preparedness and response plans to save lives of people.

Kwesiga further noted that the main focus remains Bududa district, but other districts such as Namisindwa, Butalejja and Manafwa in the Elgon region will also benefit from the appeal. URC hopes to use the money to provide hygiene promotion, access to safe and clean water, early warning sensitization for communities on climate change and awareness for potential disease outbreaks.

He has confirmed that they are working with the government of Uganda, including in the relocation of the affected households. He called upon all Ugandans to come give generously.

The latest appeal by Red Cross however faces a major test arising from the perception that a similar show of gesture in 2010 when Bududa suffered worse landslides, was abused. There have been complaints in the media to the effect that the people of Bududa abused the gesture of goodwill that was showed to them through donations when they sold the stuff, including the land that government had donated to them in Kiryandongo, and returned to Bududa.

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