CONTEXT

On Thursday 25th May 2023, a heavy downpour caused landslides and mudslides in Elgon and Elgon-North County sub counties destroying food crops whilst also burying houses and roads. The sub counties affected include Bumasobo, Buluganya and Buginyanya with several others currently facing similar threats.

According to the Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA), weather outlook for the 1st dekad of May 2023, there are still high chances of increased rainfall in the Mt Elgon sub-region which is a major risk factor for landslide occurrence. 

Currently, most of the areas in the high altitude zones are soggy with water oozing from the ground at different points. This is an indicator of the increased risk of landslides in these areas.

 A total of 390 households were severely affected. The whole population along the Ridge stretching from Masugu, Tagalu, Namakyire, Buzamolile, Nayinya, Masabasi, Namango, Maduwa, Lula, Lusola, Nakakyele, Mamolo, Nakisikiro, Masola, Masola Trading Center, and Lukungiri from the Buluganya and Mabugu Parishes. 2730 people were directly severely affected in the communities of Buluganya and Mabugu Parishes.

 A total of 05 people lost their lives while 07 were injured. 71 homes were covered in mud and 328 people are currently displaced, children and women being the most affected

ABOUT THE PROJECT:

Oxfam obtained 60,000 euros from CATFund to respond to respond to a Landslide/mudslide/flood disaster that occurred on 25 May 2023 in Bulambuli district in the Mt Elgon Sub Region in Eastern Uganda. Bulambuli district is one among eight (08) districts located in the Mt. Elgon region of Uganda. The district comprises of three altitude zones: Low, Mid and Highland altitudes. The Elgon region districts are continuously faced with landslides, mudslides and flooding that are becoming more frequent and severe with climatic changes. 

Given the geographical formation of Bulambuli district, the high altitude is a hot spot for mud and landslides. The mid-altitude has moderate but more indirect experiences, and the low altitude is highly prone to flooding. 

The occurrence of these disasters affects people’s lives, livelihoods, property, crops and the environment and this results in economic disruption, food insecurity, disease outbreaks and in extreme incidences the death of humans, animals and poultry. 

PROJECT AIM:

  • To provide lifesaving essential WASH interventions to enhance communities' ability to prevent and protect themselves against WASH-related diseases

EXPECTED RESULTS:

  • Sustained good health of the affected population through restoration of damaged water sources, water treatment and capacity building in the operation and management of the provided water facilities.
  • Improved access to user-friendly climate-resilient sanitation facilities that can withstand floods.
  • Enhanced personal hygiene knowledge, attitude and practices through public health promotion, risk communication and community engagement.

 IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS:

  • This project is being implemented directly by Oxfam in close coordination and collaboration with the District Line departments of Bulambuli district local government.

FUNDED BY:

  • Global Humanitarian Team (GHT)

BENEFICIARIES

  • The project is expected to reach out to 7,230 individuals including 2,730 directly affected individuals in Bulambuli district whose lives have been affected by landslides, mudslides and flooding.

GEOGRAPHICAL COVERAGE

  • The project is being implemented in the most affected sub-counties of Bumasabo and Buluganya in Bulambuli district.

BUDGET:

  • €60,000