STATEMENT ON THE BULAMBULI LANDSLIDE TRAGEDY

 

STATEMENT ON THE BULAMBULI LANDSLIDE TRAGEDY

Date: 28th November 2024

On the night of 27th November 2024, a tragic landslide struck the people of Bulambuli District, claiming lives and leaving many families devastated. As of the close of Thursday, the Uganda Red Cross Society had confirmed that 15 bodies have been retrieved, with the total number of homes affected rising to 40. This landslide has caused an unimaginable loss, and our thoughts and condolences are with the families who have lost loved ones in this disaster.

Agriculture Reform Hub Uganda (AGROREF), through our work with farmers in Bulambuli District, is deeply saddened by this catastrophe. We have partnered with local farmers in the region through the District Farmers Advocacy Platform, advocating for sustainable farming practices, disaster preparedness, and community resilience. We are familiar with the many challenges that farmers in Bulambuli face, including soil erosion and the precarious living conditions in landslide-prone areas. This disaster serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of the people in this region, particularly those who live in mountainous areas that are prone to heavy rainfall and landslides.

We stand in solidarity with the people of Bulambuli, especially the farmers who have been affected by this tragedy. The loss of homes, crops, and livestock has left many without their primary means of survival. As an organization that works closely with rural communities, we understand the long-term impact this catastrophe will have on the livelihood of families in Bulambuli, and we call for immediate support and assistance to help the affected communities recover.

We call upon the Government of Uganda, humanitarian organizations, and all well-wishers to come together in a concerted effort to provide relief to the victims. We urge the government to prioritize the swift retrieval of the bodies of those still buried, and to offer support in terms of medical care, food, shelter, and other essential services to those displaced by the landslides.

Furthermore, this tragedy underscores the urgent need for long-term disaster preparedness and climate adaptation strategies in Bulambuli and other high-risk areas. We must act now to ensure that the people in these regions have the resources and support to withstand future disasters.

AGROREF remains committed to working with the people of Bulambuli, and we will continue to advocate for their needs and support them in their recovery process.

Together, we rebuild and rise from the devastation.