In recent days, parts of Uganda — particularly Kween District — have been left reeling from a devastating series of mudslides triggered by heavy rains.
The tragic images from Chibanda Village, showing first responders digging through mud in search of survivors and recovering bodies, are a painful reminder of how ill-prepared we often are when disaster strikes.
The mudslides, which followed weeks of torrential downpours, destroyed homes, farms, and public infrastructure, leaving hundreds displaced and several families mourning loved ones.
While the government, humanitarian agencies, and local communities have rallied to provide emergency relief, the scale of destruction once again exposes a familiar weakness: the lack of adequate disaster preparedness and early warning systems.
Across Africa, climate-related disasters — from floods and droughts to landslides and storms — are increasing in frequency and intensity.
Yet, despite numerous warnings from environmental experts, many communities remain vulnerable due to poor planning, weak infrastructure, and inadequate enforcement of safety regulations.
In Uganda and the wider region, settlements continue to expand into high-risk zones such as riverbanks, steep slopes, and wetlands. These areas, though fertile and easy to cultivate, often become death traps when extreme weather events occur.
Disasters, therefore, should no longer surprise us. What should surprise us is our continued failure to prepare for them.
Disaster management must move beyond crisis response. It should begin with risk mapping, community education, and enforcement of land use policies that prevent people from settling in hazardous areas.
Schools, local governments, and civil society organizations all have a role to play in promoting awareness and resilience.
Moreover, investment in weather forecasting and early warning systems can save countless lives. When people are informed early, they can move to safety, protect property, and reduce losses.
Governments across East Africa should prioritize climate adaptation measures, including afforestation, better drainage systems, and sustainable land use practices. This is not just an environmental issue — it’s a matter of public safety and national development.
Each disaster leaves behind painful lessons, but too often, those lessons are quickly forgotten. The mudslides in Kween, like the floods in Mbale and Bududa before them, underscore the urgent need for long-term planning rather than short-term sympathy.
We cannot control the rain — but we can control where and how we build. We can strengthen institutions, educate our citizens, and ensure accountability when negligence costs lives.
As rescue operations continue in eastern Uganda, the message should be clear: disaster preparedness is not optional; it is a duty owed to every citizen.
