Following the incidence where most the rivers in Kasese District originate from the Rwenzori Mountains and empty their waters into the two drainage basins of Lakes George and Edward. There are numerous several socio-economic activities being undertaken within the catchments of these rivers, both by the public and the private sectors and dominated by subsistence farming for livelihoods of the communities. These include agriculture, industry, settlements/urbanization, Mining, energy production (mini-hydro-electric power generation) and wildlife conservation. There are, however a number of threats posed by many of these activities to the water resources, and the watersheds in particular. The major threats include increasing human population and its pressures on land, encroachment and degradation of fragile ecosystems particularly on the sensitive mountain slopes and river banks; and weak governance of the environment and natural resources.
Between the period March and May 2020 Kasese experienced heavy rains leading to occasional flooding and landslides in various parts of the District. From Wednesday, 6th May 2020 to 20th May 2020 though, the District experienced serious flooding due to the simultaneous bursting of the 7 rivers of Lhubiriha, Mubuku, Nyamwamba, Nyamugasani, Sebwe, Rwembyo and Thaku in Kitholu Subcounty. As a result, many crops, livestock, poultry, Social-Economic infrastructure both private and Government including plants and machinery, schools, bridges, roads, health facilities notably Kilembe Mines Hospital were completely obliterated.
On Behalf of the People of Kasese, I would like to uplaud the Government particularly the Office of The prime Minister for the quick action in the provision of food and non-food items to the vulnerable affected communities.
In a special way, I want to acknowledge the irreplaceable support and technical guidance received from various Ministries, Departments, Agencies and Partners both local and international
It’s really impractical to thank every by name. It takes two hands to clap, but certainly the the desire to save life including preparation of this plan has taken more than two hands. My humble gratitude to everyone.
One Behalf of the Kasese I pledge to work closely with other stakeholders to identify additional risk reduction and management strategies in abid to strengthening the community’s resilience.
FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY
Sibendire Bigogo Geofrey
DISTRICTCHAIRPERSON
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