KABALE: The Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Kabale, Ronald Bakak has emphasized the importance of residents vacating wetlands to combat the adverse impacts of climate change.
Speaking at the handover ceremony of relief aid from the Office of the Prime Minister to individuals affected by mudslides in Kitumba Sub County, Bakak highlighted the recent surge in climate-related disasters such as landslides and floods in Kabale district and the broader Kigezi region. He attributed these incidents to encroachment on wetlands and rampant deforestation.
“Wetlands serve as crucial buffers against flooding by absorbing excess water during heavy rains,” Bakak explained during an interview at his office in Kabale district headquarters. “When wetlands are encroached upon, their ability to mitigate flooding is compromised, resulting in heightened risks for surrounding areas,” he emphasized.
CUE IN BAKAK…ON WETLAND….LUG/ENG//
The Principal Assistant Secretary of Kabale District, Gordon Manzi, disclosed that relief items, including 13,000 kilograms of maize flour, 6,500 kilograms of beans, and 100 pieces of tarpaulins, were disbursed to 84 households severely affected by landslides, along with an additional 132 vulnerable households.
A severe downpour on September 27th, 2023, wreaked havoc in Kitumba Sub County, causing widespread destruction of crop fields, infrastructure, and homes. Tragically, the disaster claimed the life of Pearl Amumpeire, a nursery pupil at Kanyankwanzi Primary School in Kitumba Sub County. Among the hardest-hit villages were Kanyankwanzi and Bukora.
