Emergency relief has finally arrived for hundreds of families devastated by the recent deadly landslides in Bukwo District, Sebei Sub-region. On Tuesday, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) dispatched 28 tonnes of humanitarian aid to residents who lost their homes, crops, and belongings in the disaster.
The consignment—supervised by Bukwo Resident District Commissioner (RDC) George Owanyi—included maize flour, beans, blankets, jerrycans, and other essentials meant to sustain the affected households. The hardest-hit communities, Tulel and Chesower sub-counties, were overwhelmed last week when heavy downpours unleashed massive mudslides that buried homes and farmland. Officials have confirmed at least 25 deaths, with 13 bodies recovered so far.
Rescue efforts are still underway, led by Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) teams working alongside local volunteers. However, progress remains slow due to the rugged terrain and lack of access for heavy machinery. Responders are using simple tools like spades and hoes to dig through thick mud in search of survivors.
The landslides, believed to be the worst in Bukwo’s history, resulted from prolonged rainfall that loosened unstable mountain slopes. In addition to the tragic loss of life, the calamity displaced scores of families and wiped out extensive cropland—deepening the community’s vulnerability.
Authorities are now urging residents living in high-risk hillside areas to move to safer zones as the rains persist. Meanwhile, the government and relief agencies are assessing long-term recovery needs to help rebuild lives and restore livelihoods in the affected regions.
