Africa-Press – Uganda. The government has launched a resettlement program for landslide victims in eastern Uganda, with each verified household set to receive Shs10 million and two acres of land to support permanent relocation.
The initiative, unveiled in Giriki in Kween District, is part of a broader plan targeting over 10,000 households living in high-risk areas, particularly in the Elgon sub-region.
Speaking at the launch, the State Minister for Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Lillian Aber, said the cash support is a grant not a loan intended to help families rebuild their lives.
“This support is not a loan but a grant intended to help our people rebuild their lives with dignity. We urge all beneficiaries to use these funds prudently to secure the future of their families,” Aber said.
Priority is being given to victims who have spent more than a year in camps, especially those in Bunambutye resettlement area.
Authorities said the process has involved verification of beneficiaries and recovery of abandoned land, which will now be managed by the Uganda Wildlife Authority in line with Cabinet directives.
The minister emphasized transparency in the exercise, noting that the Office of the Prime Minister, security agencies, district leaders, and community representatives have all been involved to ensure funds reach the intended beneficiaries.
However, Aber revealed that some residents in high-risk areas declined to register for resettlement due to cultural and religious reasons, raising concerns about continued exposure to disasters.
“While this is a voluntary exercise, it is concerning that some people in high-risk areas declined registration due to cultural and religious reasons. This calls for clear policy guidance to prevent further loss of lives,” she said.
She urged communities to take disaster warnings seriously and work closely with government during relocation efforts.
“We call upon communities to take early warning signs seriously and cooperate fully with relocation efforts. Disaster prevention is a shared responsibility,” Aber added.
The intervention builds on earlier resettlement efforts following deadly landslides in the Elgon region, including the 2010 Nametsi disaster in Bududa District that claimed over 150 lives.
Officials acknowledged that land acquisition remains a major challenge slowing relocation efforts but reaffirmed government’s commitment to moving affected populations from high-risk zones to safer areas.
“Government will continue to play its role, but the resilience and cooperation of communities remain critical in avoiding future tragedies,” Aber noted.
