President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has assured families affected by landslides in Bulambuli district that the Government will provide each family with two acres of land and financial support to build better homes.
“I’m sorry to hear what happened to you. The government people came here. I did not come because I had gone to Arusha, but I know the problem. I will buy you some land—two acres per family,” Museveni made the assurance on Wednesday as he paid an impromptu visit to Bunambutye, a government resettlement village in the eastern district of Bulambuli, where the victims of landslides are currently settled.
The president, who was in the area as part of his ongoing performance review of the Parish Development Model (PDM), outlined plans to collaborate with the Ministry of Housing to provide cement blocks for housing construction.
He also reiterated the government’s commitment to improving mountain roads, acknowledging the difficulties posed by volcanic soil in the region.
“The 10 million shillings being given to you is just the beginning,” he said. “It’s to help you start building a small house for yourself. You’ll also get two acres of land and the necessary capital to support your livelihood.”
Museveni warned residents against building homes on mountain tops, emphasizing the dangers of settling in such areas. “The mountains are not meant for settlement. They are primarily for forests. You can build in the lower areas but not at the top—it’s extremely dangerous. Tell everyone living in the mountains to relocate; the government will resettle all of them,” he advised.
During his visit, the President also donated 20 cows to the resettled families for the festive season.
Addressing the root causes of landslides, Museveni criticised leaders who have allowed settlements in unsafe mountainous areas for political gain, which has led to preventable loss of life.
“These areas were meant to remain forested, but some leaders have exploited the situation, resulting in tragedy,” he added.
The Bulambuli landslide left more than 28 people confirmed dead, with many others reported missing after heavy rains caused the land to overturn.
Story Credit: Government of Uganda