news 3 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Bulambuli Landslide Survivors Demand Urgent Resettlement and Infrastructure Fixes
Nearly 1.5 years after devastating landslides in Bulambuli District killed hundreds and destroyed homes, schools, roads, and health centers, survivors are frustrated by delays in compensation and relocation. Families remain in risky areas or tents, with education and transport severely disrupted amid fears of upcoming rains. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/bulambuli-landslide-victims-decry-delayed-resettlement-5412256
Devastating landslides struck several sub-counties in Bulambuli District’s upper belt on November 27, 2024, claiming hundreds of lives and burying homes in areas like Masugu Parish, Buluganya Sub-county. Many bodies remain unrecovered under rubble, leaving locals in ongoing fear despite some turning land into farms.
At Bumasugu Primary School, one of few surviving structures, enrolment has plummeted from over 1,000 to under 100 pupils. Teachers like Livingstone Gidongo report lost staff quarters, traumatized students, and a policy of early dismissals before rain. Cracks near the school heighten dangers, while playgrounds stay clogged with debris.
Roads and bridges in Buluganya and Simu sub-counties are in ruins, with key spans like Marama Bridge replaced by flimsy wooden crossings for bikes and walkers only. Residents such as James Songo lament blocked paths cleared manually with hoes, skyrocketing transport costs from Shs5,000 to Shs15,000-20,000 per trip to Mbale, crippling farm produce markets.
Health services suffer too: Bugibologoto Health Centre III was buried, forcing operations into cramped sub-county headquarters. Nearby schools conduct classes amid classroom cracks, with enrolment similarly low as parents flee risks.
Residents like Richard Nakoko endure cracked homes, accusing leaders of neglect after two years of unfulfilled relocation promises. Over 1,200 households huddle in tents at Bunambutye camp, facing floods and drought, with families split.
Government action inches forward: Shs50 billion was released last December, including Shs10 billion for land and Shs40 billion in Shs10 million payouts per survivor. District official Twala Aramathan notes 1,300 acres acquired in Kween’s Kiriki Sub-county for partial resettlement, with clearing and surveying underway—urging evacuations before rains.
Previous efforts since 2013 resettled about 300 families on 2,800 acres in Bunambutye with houses and land, but pace remains too slow for thousands affected.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)