Heavy rains forced River Manafwa to burst its banks, displacing more than 7,000 people in Butaleja District. The flooding swept through six sub-counties, destroyed homes, and drowned acres of crops.
The floods also cut the Butaleja–Mbale road between Leresi Town Council and Manafwa Bridge. Consequently, vehicles now divert through Budaka and the Nangongera–Tororo road to reach Mbale. Families reported that maize, rice, beans, cassava, and potatoes had rotted in the water.
District chairperson Michael Higenyi described the floods as the worst in Butaleja’s history. He noted that the water reached areas that had never experienced flooding before. “The situation is alarming beyond the normal,” he warned.
Officials set up evacuation centres at Manafwa Primary School and Leresi Town Council. However, rescuers struggle to move families because rising waters cut most roads. Higenyi linked the floods to heavy rains in the Elgon region and urged the Ministry of Health to provide drugs. He cautioned that cholera and malaria could break out if support delays.
Residents shared harrowing stories. Muhuyu Village chairperson Ahamada Lumonya explained: “At 2 a.m. water entered homes. Within an hour, villages were submerged. Crops are rotting.” He asked people to move to schools and churches that remain safe.
Families suffered heavy losses. Leresi resident Lukiya Kabeja, a mother of 10, said: “Floods swept through my home while the children slept. The crops I planted for food and school fees are gone. Government must help.” Another villager, Dawson Murefu, added: “Some houses collapsed. Food stocks are ruined, and even our pit latrines are under water.”
Business owners also lost property. Leresi rice miller Mumali Hefude explained that floodwaters destroyed both his stored rice and planted fields.
Furthermore, locals criticised broken promises. Transporter Ali Hamba argued that government pledged to build a road to control floods but failed to act. “Our leaders abandoned us,” he said.
Butaleja has faced floods before. Disasters in May 2021 and April 2024 displaced thousands and claimed lives. Yet locals insist that the current floods are worse.
Community leaders demanded long-term solutions. Higenyi urged government to create a special flood response fund. “We need a strong embankment on River Manafwa to control water and protect our people,” he said.
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