The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) 3 Infantry Division has intensified its search and recovery missions for individuals believed to be trapped following the catastrophic landslide that devastated villages in Buluganya Sub-county, Bulambuli District, on November 27, 2024.
Major General Don Nabasa, Commander of the 3 Infantry Division, confirmed the ongoing operations during a site inspection of the affected area yesterday. “Search and recovery efforts are ongoing. On a positive note, our forces have retrieved the body of Waniala Paul, aged 55, from Masugu village, bringing the confirmed death toll to 31,” stated Maj Gen Nabasa.
He called upon the Office of the Prime Minister and other stakeholders to supply additional equipment to enhance recovery efforts, as the challenging terrain and debris continue to hinder progress.
Brig Gen Fred Rugadya Akiki, who heads the National Emergency Coordination Centre in the Office of the Prime Minister, revealed that 2,023 displaced individuals have been registered at the Bunambutye resettlement camp, with verification still underway.
He noted that government agencies and non-governmental organizations are collaborating to deliver crucial support to the displaced, including access to clean water, mosquito nets, large tents, fumigation services, food supplies, and a standby ambulance. Funds have also been allocated for the drilling of additional boreholes on plot 148.
Brig Gen Akiki acknowledged the significant contributions from NGOs such as UNFPA, the Red Cross, Oxfam, Caritas, the Salvation Army, CRS, and ACORD, among others.
The Ministry of Works has plans to upgrade access roads to support the relocation of 248 additional households, each to be resettled on three-acre plots. To streamline operations, the displaced have been organized by sub-county and constituency, with security provided by the UPDF, Uganda Police Force, and Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) at the camps and resettlement sites.
These collaborative measures aim to facilitate effective search efforts and ensure the successful resettlement of the internally displaced persons (IDPs).
