Uganda is mourning the loss of 23 lives and the injury of 16 others in the wake of landslides and floods that struck the Kigezi and Ntoroko regions. The devastation has prompted President Yoweri Museveni to issue a call for stricter adherence to environmental requirements in the country.
“I offer my condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragedy,” said President Museveni. “To help ease the burden of their loss, I have directed the State House Comptroller to provide Shs. 5 million to each family that lost a loved one and Shs. 1 million to those who were injured.”
The president went on to emphasize the importance of respecting environmental guidelines in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. He called for a ban on buildings and gardens within 50 meters of river banks, 200 meters from lake shores, and on hills with a gradient greater than 30 degrees.
“Forests play a crucial role in preventing landslides and floods,” said President Museveni. “The roots of trees hold the soil in place and prevent erosion. Forests near river banks and lake shores also help filter water going into the rivers or lakes, preventing siltation.”
He warned against interfering with the delicate balance of nature, stating that such actions could have catastrophic consequences.
