Remember the devastating floods of 2020 and 2021 around Lake Albert? Well, it seems like history is sadly repeating itself. Over 500 families in Uganda are staring down the barrel of displacement as the lake’s water levels surge once more.
This time, it’s the residents of Fofo, Kijangi, and other landing sites in the Hoima District who are facing the brunt of nature’s fury. Imagine the heartbreak of seeing your home, your only sanctuary, slowly being swallowed by water.
One resident, 77-year-old Swizin Tinkamanyire, shared his despair, saying his permanent home was destroyed in the 2020 floods, and now he’s facing the same nightmare again. It’s a story echoed by many in the area, leaving them feeling hopeless and forgotten.
Makeshift shelters and temporary accommodation are not long-term solutions, and the government needs to step up, and fast. Local leaders are calling for urgent action, urging the government to acquire land for resettlement before the situation spirals further out of control.
The fear of a repeat of 2020-2021 Lake Albert flooding, when over 5,000 people in Hoima District alone were displaced, hangs heavy in the air. Back then, many were forced to seek refuge in churches and schools, only to return to damaged homes due to a lack of options.
Beyond the immediate threat to homes and livelihoods, there’s a silent threat looming disease. Stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitos, and residents are understandably worried about potential malaria outbreaks.
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The situation demands immediate attention, not just to provide shelter, but also to ensure access to healthcare and prevent a health crisis.
