Oyam Warns Communities Against Settling Near Wetlands as Flood Risk Increases

Local leaders in Abok Sub-county, Oyam District, have issued an early warning to residents living near wetlands to relocate, as the region continues to experience heavy rainfall that could trigger flooding. The warning follows last year’s devastating floods in Abok Sub-county that affected villages such as Anyom C, Anyom A, and Orupu. 

The floods, which occurred between August and September 2024, destroyed acres of farmland and houses, leaving 149 households in Abok alone counting losses. This year, district leaders are taking a proactive approach by urging communities near wetlands to move before the floods return.

Phillips Ogile Jakayo, the LC3 Chairperson of Abok Sub-county, said that with the heavy rainfall currently being experienced, serious flooding may submerge these areas. He advised locals to find alternative settlements far from wetlands, warning that anyone who delays risks being forcefully evicted. In 2024, a total of 793 flood victims across Oyam District received relief support from the Office of the Prime Minister. The relief, which included 20 tons of beans and maize flour, was secured through the efforts of Oyam District Woman MP, Santa Alum Ogwang. 

Of these, Abok Sub-county registered 149 affected households, Iceme Sub-county had 304 households, Ngai Sub-county had 220 flood victims, while Otwal Sub-county had 120 households supported with relief food. Despite these efforts, the district continues to grapple with environmental degradation, which experts say contributes to the flooding. 

Moses Opio, the District Environmental Officer, attributed the recurrent floods to human activities such as wetland cultivation, settlement near water bodies, overgrazing, and bush burning. He noted that these activities interfere with the natural flow of water and that currently, over 500 acres of wetlands in Oyam District have been encroached upon. 

Meteorological forecasts indicate that northern Uganda and other regions will continue receiving heavy rainfall through May and June. Areas near rivers and swamps are therefore at increased risk of flooding. Local authorities have reiterated their call for residents to act swiftly to avoid future disasters, as they work to enforce environmental regulations and restore wetland integrity in the district.