Kasese Community Ask for Desilting of R. Nyamugasani

Local leaders and residents along the Nyamugasani River in Kasese district are calling on the government to prioritize de-silting the river as a critical intervention to mitigate flooding. They contend that while the government and other partners have focused on de-silting the Nyamwamba River, Nyamugasani remains a significant threat to the local community during heavy rains. 

The Nyamugasani River, fed by the melting glaciers from the Rwenzori Mountains, flows into Lake Edward. Along with other major rivers like Mubuku and Nyamwamba, Nyamugasani has consistently posed challenges to the local communities in Kasese when it floods. 

Residents argue that the river has caused displacement of people and tragic drownings, yet there have been no government plans to ensure the safety of the community. Annet Mutswanga, a resident of Kyalhumba, expressed her frustration, citing two recent drownings in the Nyamugasani River due to heavy rains and increased water levels. 

She criticized the government's response to flooding in the district, emphasizing that all the attention has been focused on the Nyamwamba River while neglecting the suffering of people living near other rivers facing recurring disasters. 

Lukhonzo byte 

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Augustine Baluku, another resident, called on the government to provide equal services to all citizens since they face similar consequences. Ivan Bwambale, the chairperson of Kyalhumba town council, stated that they have raised this issue with different leaders, but there has been no response thus far. The community is eager for prompt action to address the flooding challenges posed by the Nyamugasani River.

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