Since 2013, Kasese District in Uganda has experienced frequent and devastating flooding, causing widespread destruction to communities, infrastructure, lives, and livelihoods. The floods, which have become an almost annual occurrence, have inflicted immense hardship on the people of Kasese, particularly those living along the Nyamwamba River and other flood-prone areas. These disasters have led to the loss of lives, displacement of families, destruction of homes, and disruption of economic activities such as farming and trade. The floods are a critical consequence of climate change, with far-reaching implications for environmental sustainability and the social well-being of the affected communities. Unfortunately, both national and local governments have struggled to implement effective adaptation and mitigation strategies, leaving many residents vulnerable and forced to fend for themselves.
As Kasese braces for the possibility of more floods in 2025 and beyond, it is crucial to engage all stakeholders in developing a comprehensive flood response strategy. Such a strategy must anticipate potential dangers while addressing the immediate needs for shelter, health care, and overall well-being of affected communities. It must also focus on long-term solutions to build resilience against future flooding events.
To address this urgent need, a conference will be convened in Kasese to bring together community members, local government officials, experts, humanitarian organizations, and other stakeholders. The primary goal of this conference is to develop actionable strategies that can mitigate the impact of flooding while enhancing community resilience.
Key questions to be addressed during the conference include:
-
How can the government improve early warning systems and evacuation plans to reduce the loss of lives and property?
-
What measures can communities adopt to better adapt to recurring floods and promote sustainable recovery after disasters?
-
What policy frameworks or collaborative efforts are needed to support flood mitigation and management in Kasese?
-
What roles can local disaster response agencies such as the Uganda Red Cross Society play in preparing for and responding to floods?
This conference will serve as a platform for affected communities to engage directly with government actors at both national and district levels. Together, they will work towards developing a shared response plan that prioritizes proactive measures, disaster preparedness, and sustainable recovery efforts tailored specifically to Kasese’s unique challenges.
