Floods Disrupt Business

River Mpanga has burst its banks following a heavy down pour disrupting business in Mpanga market in Fort portal town. River Mpanga originates from Mount Rwenzori and flows through Fort Portal town, Kenjojo and connects to Lake George. But on Friday morning, the river burst its banks and flooded Mpanga market. The floods washed away traders merchandise forcing some of them to abandon work.

Some traders tried to save their property, but in vain. Some traders, whose property was intact, relocated to the river bank, near Fort Portal referral hospital to sell their merchandize.  

Tress nurseries that were being sold on the side of the river were also washed away.  Francis Mwesige, a trader says that since they were relocated following the construction of the market by the Ministry of Local Government, traders have often been disrupted by floods. He also says that some of the traders whose stalls weren’t washed are also being affected because the bridge which was being used by customers to access the market has also been washed away. Mwesige says that the construction of the market should be sped up or else traders will continue losing their property and making losses when it rains.

Michael Karwani, the deputy Town Clerk, Fort Portal Muncipality says that the traders were told to relocate to Kabundaire market but they refused. He says that the traders should be patient until the market is complete. The floods also affected the bus park, where some of the traders had to close their shops. Boda boda cyclists and strong men made lots of money by carrying people through the water to dry areas. The floods also equally affected students from Kamengo Secondary School and Kahungabunyoni Primary School. The students missed school because some of the classrooms were submerged.

Other areas which were affected by the floods include Kisenyi slum, Bukwali, Kagote and Buhinga Municipal play grounds