Floods kill over 24 in eastern Uganda

Floods and landslides following heavy rains in some parts of eastern Uganda have killed over 24 people and left hundreds homeless, according to the Uganda Red Cross Society.

The Saturday night rains affected Mbale, Sironko and Kapchorwa districts, leading to the overflow of several rivers including the Namatala and Nabiyonga.

Giving an update on the response to Mbale floods on NBS Television on Tuesday morning, Irene Nakasiita, communications director at the Uganda Red Cross Society, said rescue efforts are still ongoing.

She said an incident similar to the one in Mbale involves deep waters, making it difficult to deal with.

"You need divers and people who are skilled to do the search and find the dead bodies," she said on the televised show.

Nakasiita said the rains came early, an indication of climate change and the toll it's taking on people.

Speaking at the same show, member of Parliament from Manjiya John Nambeshe said the floods have completely paralyzed business and transport in Mbale city.

He said the response efforts by the government have been slow, noting locals are using rudimentary methods to retrieve the bodies.

In a news conference on Monday, members of Parliament from the Bugisu region called on the government to set up temporary evacuation camps where cracks and signs of flooding are apparent, in addition to compensating residents instead of relocating them.

"Government should set up evacuation camps in dangerous and disaster-prone areas but we also want compensation for the people," Bubulo East MP John Musila said.

Mbale Industrial Division MP Karim Masab said more people are still missing and called on government to act fast and provide the necessary support.

"Our people do not have food and safe drinking water. They also do not have homes where they can stay right now," he said.

"The rainy season is just beginning; there are many people who are still living in risky places on the slopes of Mt. Elgon who need to be moved. Many of our roads have been cut off and the bridges have been spoiled."