The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Buliisa, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Stephen Birahwa Mukitale, the Buliisa County Member of Parliament wants the government to allocate part of Bugungu Wildlife Conservation area near Murchison falls National Park to resettle thousands of people displaced by floods in the district.
Bugungu Wildlife Conservation area, which covers 193 square miles, seats between Bulisa and Masindi districts. It is home to a number of game animals such as Hippos, Uganda Kobs, Leopards, Lions, Buffaloes and warthogs among others.
According to Mukitale, Buliisa district leadership has severally appealed to the government to provide land to resettle more than 3500 families from the shores of Lake Albert in Butiaba, Kigwera and Buliisa Sub County displaced by floods in March 2020.
The most affected landing sites are Wanseko, Katanga, Masaka, in Kigwera sub-county, Kawaibanda, Butiaba, Boma, Kigangaizi, Tugombili and Walukuba. Others are Bugoigo, Kamagongoro, Kigungu, Serule, Piida, Waisoki, Triangle and Magali in Butiaba sub-county, Kabolwa and Kigoya landing sites in Buliisa sub-county.
He suggests that government allocates part of Bugungu wildlife conservation area to host the affected people if there is no alternative land. According to Mukitale, the flood victims are stuck in churches and schools while others are sleeping under trees as floods continue ravaging the area.
Simon Mutiti, a resident of Butiaba landing site in Butiaba Sub County is one of those displaced by the floods. According to Mutiti, he is currently experiencing untold suffering since his three houses were submerged by floods. Sarah Katusiimwe, another victim wonders why the government has not thought of resettling them despite the hardship they are facing.
Bashir Hangi, the Uganda Wildlife-UWA Spokesperson told Uganda Radio Network that they do not have the authority to de-gazette Bugungu wildlife game reserve to resettle the flood victims.
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