A year later, Kasese still grappling with floods menace

A resident wading through the floods on August 19, 2014 in Karusandara in Kasese district after his house was submerged in water. Photo by Moris Mumbere

By ENID NINSIIMA & FELIX BASIIME

Posted Sunday, August 17   2014 [http://www.monitor.co.ug/SpecialReports/A-year-later--Kasese-still-grappling-with-floods-menace/-/688342/2421234/-/item/0/-/sg9ny/-/index.html]

In Summary

Time bomb. Kasese District environment officer says there are indicators that they can be hit by the floods any time given the volumes of water they are experiencing.

KASESE.

It is exactly one year and three months since Kasese District was devastated by flash floods, and the authorities are still unsure of what next as the sky opens up again.
Both local leaders and residents are wondering why government has not bothered to come to their rescue as the rainy season starts this month.

Kasese was hit with two devastating floods on May 1 2013 and May 8 2014 which left close to 20 people dead, others injured while several people were displaced from their homes.
The Kasese District environment officer, Mr Augustine Kooli, is worried that the district may be hit by yet another flood this month, saying it is the beginning of the long rainy season.
“Though we have not contacted the meteorology office to know the amounts of rainfall we are likely to receive this season, there are clear indicators that any time we can be hit by the floods, given the volume of water we are experiencing now,” Kooli said.

More complicated

The environment officer added that issues of floods in Kasese cannot be solved by mere de-silting (removal of soil and waste materials) from the river -- which government has started by putting up gabions (large square containers in which rocks are packed) and retainer walls to control and redirect the water.

“It is true government has released some money for de-silting, but I do not know the amount. But this will not solve our problem. Remember river erosion and deposition is carried out under the normal hydraulic verbosity and gradient is either the same or equal,” Kooli said.

What Kooli means is that the volume and speed of the river is always the same, even if it is de-silted, the river will still carry and deposit objects. He says instead of de-silting the river first, government would have placed gabions so that the boulders removed are put behind them and this would have worked better other than removing soil that will be brought back anytime.

The environment officer advised the government that the issue of human activities alongside the river banks must be tackled seriously if the problem of floods is to be handled at length.
“We need to respect the river banks by stopping all human activities like cultivation, constructions and sand mining which weaken the river,” he said.

A resident of Kilembe valley, Dr John Baluku, told this paper that people in the area have continued to drink contaminated water ever since the pipes collapsed last year during the first floods.

Jetress Kabugho, who lost a brother during the first floods at Kilembe, blamed leaders for not implementing the presidential directive to submit the names of the affected families so that they could be helped.

“It is now a year down the road since our loved ones died in the disaster, but to date no single leader has ever come to us to take the particulars of the affected families and we wonder why,” Kabugho said.

Alex Kwatampora, the project manager Tibet Hima Company Limited, which took over Kilembe Mines Ltd, says they spend more than Shs 2 million daily on the de-silting and rechanneling of the river.

Kwatampora said Kilembe Hospital has had some renovations but that the security at the facility is at stake since the fence was washed away and some water still passes some few meters to Toto Ward.
He noted that some temporary bridge was being put up at Kyanjuki that connects Kilembe mines offices with the rest of the area.

However, the Kasese Municipality mayor, Mr Godfrey Kabyanga, says the district needs heavy machines to re-channel River Nyamwamba, otherwise the district could be sitting on a time bomb.
Kasese District has been hit by floods every year for nearly the last five years, leading to loss of lives and property, but the magnitude of the damage caused by the large volumes of water has increased since May 1, 2013.

In May, government said it needed Shs 30 billion to de-silt River Nyamwamba to stop the bursting of its banks.

There are several other rivers emanating from the Rwenzori mountain ranges that also burst their banks. And as such, some environmental and hydrological experts say the situation could be experienced for the next two years or so.

“The climate change phenomenon is always after a long period of time like 10 years; by happening last year does not mean that it will not happen again in a subsequent years. The challenges are expected to be around for two years,” said Jeconious Musingwiire, the western region focal person and public awareness officer for the National Environment Management Authority.

“The challenges are trans-boundary as some come from the Democratic Republic of Congo as the Rwenzori ranges spread far from the Uganda border,” Musingwiire adds.

Solution

Musingwiire says the best solution is to promote integrated water resources management through enhancement of natural vegetation cover by tree planting, restoration of degraded sections of bare grounds and critical river line wetlands, and promotion of soil and water conservation structures in the agricultural fields.

He says there is a need to enforce the environmental laws, especially on observing the regulated area of 30 metres around the river banks to allow the stabilisation of the banks and to allow natural vegetation infiltration and stop the speeding water that eats up the river banks.

“To achieve this, we need to bring all stakeholders on board and allow participatory planning and implementation, especially in the enforcement of laws,” says Musingwiire.
Last week River Nyamwamba had a discourse, destroying blocks at Bulembia School and the head offices of Kilembe Mines Limited.

Currently the river flows along the recently renovated Kyanzuki road, about 100 meters from its original course.

About Mt Rwenzori region

Rivers Nyamwamba, Rwimi, Mobuku, Ssebore, Lhubiriha, Mpanga, Nyamugasani among others, and several streams flow from Mt Rwenzori and most of them empty into Lake George, among other water bodies.

People living on the slopes of the mountain basically practice poor farming methods, thus causing soil erosion and numerous landslides. Deforestation is another major problem facing the mountain ranges.

More than 90 per cent of the communities living on the mountain slopes depend on firewood for fuel, leading to extensive destruction of forests, letting floods in the low lands and global warming as the glaciers have been greatly affected and are disappearing steadily.

Govt approves recovery plan

Cabinet noted the magnitude of destruction that had occurred as a result of heavy rains which caused floods in Kasese District on May 1, 2013, and directed the ministry of Finance to avail funds amounting to Shs39b to facilitate the relocation and resettlement of people in all areas that were highly prone to landslides and floods.

Therefore, the Kasese District Disaster Recovery plan 2014/2015 is a comprehensive response to the recovery needs of the affected areas and surrounding communities by reducing their vulnerability and enhancing their resilience to possible disasters of a similar nature.

The recovery plan also aims at reducing vulnerabilities and enhancing the resilience of the district and its populace. The recovery plan takes cognisance of the prioritised needs of the affected communities arising out of the local consultations.

It will also promote recovery of Kasese after floods, rebuild and promote business, restore people’s livelihoods and build their resilience to disasters and enhance early warning systems.
By Information minister, Rose Namayanja (August 14)

Changing fortunes of Bundibugyo District

A section of the recently completed Fort Portal - Bundibugyo road. The 79-kilometre road is likely to improve trade and creating new trade opportunities especially in DR Congo. Photo by Felix Basiime 

By Felix Basiime & Ruth Katusabe

Posted  Tuesday, June 17   2014  (http://www.monitor.co.ug/SpecialReports/Changing-fortunes-of-Bundibugyo-District/-/688342/2350658/-/a637lg/-/index.html)

In Summary

Bundibugyo has in the past 15 years been host to a number of catastrophes, including ADF insurgency, Ebola pandemic of 2007 and cases of cholera outbreaks. However, the district has in the last 10 years witnessed tale growth supported by an improved road network and extension of power lines. Daily Monitor’s Felix Basiime & Ruth Katusabe explored the projects that have changed Bundibugyo’s fortunes

Five years ago, one would need more than three hours to drive through the bumpy and narrow 79-kilometre road from Fort Portal to connect to Bundibugyo Town.

However, a newly completed road was recently handed over to the government and it builds new hope in terms of improved livelihood for the people of Bundibugyo.
 

The road cuts through Semuliki Valley after Karugutu, taking one just half an hour to reach Bundibugyo Town.

Bundibugyo borders DR Congo to the west and shares borders with Ntoroko District to the north and Kabarole District to the East and Southeast.

The district also shares geographic boundaries, including Semliki River to the west, Rwenzori Mountains to the east and Lake Albert to the North.

It is relatively isolated from the rest of Uganda, as it is the only district that lies west of the Rwenzori Mountains.

Though it is still a part of the Nile Basin, it is ecologically and culturally part of Central Africa.

Its people and customs are more similar to those of eastern DR Congo than the rest of Uganda, despite being politically in East Africa.
 

Recently, President Museveni witnessed the installation of a cultural leader for the people of Bundibugyo.

The improvement in the road network has boosted the district’s cocoa industry, which is the biggest cash crop in the area.

Cocoa farmers in the district currently receive more than Shs90b annually compared to Shs4b received in 2005, according to the district planner, Mr Charles Mwesige.

Improved road network


This, according to analysts, has been a result of an improved road network that has helped farmers to access new markets, especially for farmers in rural areas.

“Farmers can now sell cocoa to the highest bidder. A kilogramme of dry cocoa now costs Shs6, 000 compared to Shs2, 000 in 2007,” Mr Jolly Tibemanya, the district chairman, says.

The Fort Portal-Bundibugyo–Lamia road network which was completed in 2013, has eased communication to the rest of the country, with fairs substantially reducing and transportation of commodities made more affordable.

“A bag of cement used to cost Shs31,000 in 2009 but it currently costs Shs27,500,” says the Rev Geoffrey Kyomuhendo, a resident.

Additionally the extension of power from Fort Portal about three years ago has made to Bundibugyo Town a hub of activities including small-scale industries.

“Extension of power has improved people’s livelihood. Small-scale industries are mushrooming across the district and a substantial reduction in unemployment in the district will soon be realised,” says Mr Tibemanya.

In 2010, the government curved off a section of the northern part of Bunduibugyo District to form Ntoroko District.

Thousands of people in Bunduibugyo have been displaced with others killed as a result of the ADF insurgency that started in the late 1990s.

The ADF, although has been fought by the UPDF, continue to be a security threat to residents conducting horrific attacks in flash points of Bwindi Impenetrable Forests.

On April 7, 1999, ADF rebels attacked parts of the district killing 11 civilians and looting property worth millions of shillings.

However, according to Mr Tibemanya, the problem of insecurity remains minimal.
And this, he says, has boosted growth in the district supported by improved infrastructure and tourism.

“Bundibugyo has great tourism potential. The main attractions are the rift valley, the forests and the Semuliki National Park, Mountain Rwenzori National Park and Semuliki Game Reserve” says Mr Tibemanya.

Bundibugyo also is home to a range of animal and bird species as well as a range of butterflies, hot springs and a diverse cultural heritage [pygmies].

“The hot springs at Sempaya have a long and exciting history. For long water from the springs has been used as medicine and continues to attract both foreign and local visitors” says Mr Charles Mwesige, the district planner.

Community empowerment

Through SNV in partnership with Unicef and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands, the district has supported community empowerment programmes in a bid to provide sustainable rural development solutions.

On health, in the last five years, the number of malaria cases has dropped as more than 182,000 mosquito nets have been distributed to households supported by Health Ministry.
The support and treatment for HIV/Aids patients has improved after Bundibugyo Hospital received a CD4 count machine with support from Baylor College of Medicine.

Safe water coverage has also improved as more safe water sources (gravity flow schemes, protected springs and boreholes) have been constructed across all sub-counties in the district.

In the education sector, Save the Children International and World Vision have been instrumental in improving the sector through constructing staff quarters and classrooms in different parts of the district.

Minister's take: Politics aside, lets use government utilities profitably

Daily Monitor newspaper recently ran a picture of a newly-constructed road that connects Uganda to the DR Congo through Bundibugyo District.

In the picture, goats had turned the road – world class facility – into a resting place. This is one of the many roads promised and constructed by the government to improve trade and people’s livelihood.

It is a pity that traders and other investors are not taking advantage of such facilities to exploit the warm trade relationship between government and DR Congo. It seems people hardly know that this tamarc road exists and should therefore be used.

Often times government comes under pressure from community members and other players apparently for not connecting such places at the periphery like Bundibugyo to the national road network.

But after connection, the roads lie idle as critics look for excuses. In this same district, we have extended the national power grid but not even a single factory has been set up.

This place is well known for cocoa production. But with electricity readily available, shouldn’t investors think of exploiting the opportunity to set up factories or at least add value to the cocoa beans before they are exported?

It is time for the investors to spread out to such districts like Bundibugyo which are rich in international agricultural products and set up processing plants.

As government, we are ready to provide essential needs to ensure that investors are quickly helped to establish themselves such that they can provide employment opportunities to the local population.

Available statistics indicate that last year alone Uganda exported about 17,000 tonnes of cocoa beans worth more than $50m (about Shs133b). Most of these beans came from Bundibugyo.

If we were able to add value, how much more could we have fetched? May be more than double.

Bundibugyo, which is located in the Mount Rwenzoris is also home for a number of tourist attractions. Places like Sempaya hotsprings, Ngithe falls and the Mount Rwenzori National Park are now easier to access compared to five years ago when the road from Fort Portal to Bundibugyo was still murram.

Those who want to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the mountain, bird watching and having a feel of the hotsprings can reach the area after a five hour drive from Kampala.

When we talk about tourism, it is not limited to foreigners. Ugandans should also be able to tour their own country to be able to market it better.

Tour and travel agencies should take advantage of the road connecting to Bundibugyo to market the attractions in the area, bring more tourists to earn an extra shilling.

People in other areas could say their roads have not been worked on or they have not been connected to the national grid. However, the government has rolled out a fast-moving programme that will enable all Ugandans to access good roads and electricity as soon as possible.

 

Mosquito nets used for fishing and catching ants in Western Uganda

Children in Karangura sub county, Kabarole district, in Western Uganda using a mosquito net to catch mad fish recently. Photo by Francis Tusiime

BY FELIX BASIIME, FRANCIS TUSIIME & DAVID AYEBALE

Published on August 1, 2014 in Daily Monitor

KABAROLE/KIBAALE: It is not more than 5 months ago when government started the second phase of distributing free 3-5 mosquito nets to each family in Uganda in a bid to fight malaria countrywide.

However, most of these nets have seen a change of user to many beneficiaries in Western Uganda as some have either through ignorance or deliberately used them as wedding gowns, covering crops in gardens from direct sunlight, chicken pen, for catching ants and some of the nets have found their way in water bodies to catch fish.

Just in June, government announced that half of the country (about 76 districts), had received 11.9 million mosquito nets.

The distribution is part of the ongoing universal coverage campaign for long lasting insecticide treated mosquito nets. The ministry of health has so far distributed in the eastern and central regions and parts of western Uganda, a thing that has to some extent seen a drop in malaria cases at health centres.

However, in Kabarole, Kibaale and Kyenjojo districts the story is different. The local government is up in arms with some beneficiaries who have turned the nets to fishing.

The Kabarole District health educator, Ms Catherine Kemigabo recently warned people who got mosquito nets from government that they should only use them to fight malaria.

Malaria is the leading killer in Uganda, claiming an estimated 100 people per day. Children under five years and pregnant women are at a higher risk of being affected.

Kemigabo said, “The major vector for plasmodium that causes malaria is mosquitoes which bite people especially at night”

She said as an intervention to fight malaria in Kabarole, government through the ministry of health and support from the donors, has distributed at least 4 mosquito nets to every house in Kabarole District.

Not suitable for beds?

She said, “However, the majority of the people here have complained that the mosquito nets are too rough, that they are like fish nets and they argue that they are too hard to be used on the beds”

She added, “Some people living near water bodies have gone ahead to use them as fish nets, chicks pens while in Kyenjojo district they use them to catch white ants”.

She said the misuse of mosquito nets will fail the government program of fighting malaria in homes.

“The government spends a lot of money to buy drugs that treat malaria like coatem, chloroquine among others” Kemigabo said.

She said because of such misuse, it has made government hospitals run out of drug stocks especially malaria drugs because of many patients.

“The misuse of nets also contributes to poor production in all government sectors like
agriculture among others since the population that would be increasing production especially like women and youth, are sick all the time” she argued.

This has also affected the education sector where by children are always absent in class because of malaria and has increased poor performance in schools, she observed.

Kemigabo says apart from distributing free mosquito nets to each family, they have sensitized the people on how to drain stagnant water, cutting bush around homes and spraying among others.

“Few people have embraced the call and this remains the case of malaria being high in the hospitals like Fort Portal regional referral hospital, Kabarole hospital among others” she said.

Warning of arrests

“Government is to arrest any person found misusing the government facilities in unappropriate way” Kemigabo warned.

Rwenzori Diocese (Anglican) with support from the donors has embarked on the campaign of training people on how to lay their mosquito nets on their beds, and even how to sleep under them.

But, Mr Jerome Bagonza, a resident of Kasindinkwa village in Rutete Sub County, Kabarole says that, “It remains a big challenge to the people in the villages who still sleep on the ground on how to use the mosquito nets and unlike those in towns who have beds”

He said that some locals reject the new nets for causing side effects like body itching, sneezing, skin rush among others and that this has caused people to develop a negative attitude towards using the nets distributed by government.

“I personally have experienced the side effects of the drug and visited the medical doctors, I was advised that they can’t cause any harm it is just temporally, I’m now fine and used to sleeping in under this mosquito net” said Bagonza.

In Kibaale district, the story is not different; some people claim that the insecticide treated mosquito nets affect their biological, mental and physical health.

But the health inspector in charge of Greater Buyaga, Mr Peter Situma says that he has always received the mythical claims that sleeping under mosquito nets renders women infertile.

“Those are lame excuses. We want everybody to sleep under a mosquito net and anybody who says that they are not using them will be handled with an iron hand because the government is wasting a lot of money on nets for a healthy population” he said.

However, Mr Situma agrees that some people are allergic to insecticide treated mosquito nets because of the chemical used there. But he says it is short lived.

He said most of the patients at Kagadi Hospital pediatric ward have malaria cases which he said account for almost 80 percent of the total admissions.

Sub-counties with the highest malarial infection rates include Kyaterekera, Pacwa, Ruteete and Kyakabadiima among others where parents are adamant to use mosquito nets and following health advice like clearing bushes around their homes, filling holes, breaking old pottery and other containers that are breeding grounds for mosquitoes, according to the health inspector.

The number of children who die from malaria at Kagadi Hospital stands at 20 percent per month which Mr Situma says is high.

In May, the ministry of health delivered 267 bales of mosquito nets and was distributed in Greater Buyaga which covers more than 20 sub-counties.

The World Health Organization 2013 report ranked Uganda the world’s highest malaria incident with 478 cases per 1000 people per year.

                                    FACT BOX

About 11.9 million mosquito nets have been freely distributed by government by June to about 76 districts.

The national campaign aims to distribute 21 million nets, with coverage of one net for every two people in a household. Already some 15.5 million nets were procured with funding from the Global Fund, 5.1 million from the US President's Malaria Initiative/DFID and 500,000 from World Vision Uganda.

These nets are in an addition to the 7.2 million which were distributed in 2010 under the Global Fund program targeting children under five years and pregnant women.

Health ministry says the nets can remain effective for up to three years, killing insects that come into contact with them.

                                    END