Mudslide victims in Kasese District are asking the government to provide them with permanent resettlement homes.
More than 30 families pitched camp at St. Luke COU and Kasika Trinity Catholic Church following the September mudslides that hit Kasika trading center, Rukoki Sub County.
The mudslides killed 15 people and destroyed several properties. The victims are also demanding relief food and other basic items.
Jorum Masipah, Chairperson Kasika Trinity Church says that supporting the victims to rebuild permanent homes would enable them to start a new life and be able to provide for their families.
“Like now, if it rains, it’s really trouble because the tarpaulins we have are old, others are torn, so we are asking the government to support us with items such as iron sheets.”’ Masipah said.
Marceline Masika who lost her mother in the mudslides says she does not have money to acquire land and put-up structures for her family even when the condition in the camp is unbearable.
Masika wants the government to consider providing materials such as iron sheets to affected families so that they can start rebuilding their homes.
“…we are asking for aid, we don’t have a source of food, our houses were destroyed, we don’t have mattresses, at least buy us plots so that we can start from them, when it rains, we don’t have where to keep our children…” Masika said.
Joward Mulere, another resident said he has land but lacks the money to start constructing a house for his family.
Like many, Mulere says they are undergoing challenges of accommodation since they were given one tumpline for each family.
Beatrice Kabugho camped near St. Luke said if they are helped to resettle she can be able to grow her own family food.
Lazaro Thembo, the Sub County Councilor says the government should address the problems of displacement in a more permanent and sustainable manner.
He also says the affected community does not have food and is barely sleeping in the cold due to a lack of tarpaulins and bedding.
The Kasese LCV Chairperson, Eliphazi Muhindi maintains that they handed over a detailed report regarding the situation of the area to the government.
