KATAKWI - Recent floods in Palam Sub-county, Katakwi District, eastern Uganda, have forced more than 3,000 residents out of their homes, leaving a trail of destruction in a community with a population of 22,000. Over 1,000 acres of farmland are now under water, causing devastation to livelihoods.

The displaced families have sought refuge in local schools and nearby Sub-county offices—both of which have sustained heavy damage from the floods.

John Imaikorit, the LCI Chairperson of Palam village and overall LC1 chairperson for the sub-county, voiced deep concerns over the dire conditions his people face. “Many homes have collapsed, food is scarce, and our people are struggling with inadequate shelter,” he said. Imaikorit also expressed fears of a looming health crisis, as overcrowded living conditions could trigger outbreaks of waterborne diseases like diarrhea and lead to starvation.

He highlighted Ongera, Palam, and Otome as the worst-hit areas, warning of the risk of foot and mouth disease spreading among livestock due to the animals’ consumption of contaminated water.

Sofia Akwi, Senior Assistant SAS for Palam sub-county, reinforced these concerns in her monitoring report. She stressed that nearly half of the sub-county’s population has been affected, adding that access to the area’s eight schools is severely hampered by flooded roads, which have also disrupted health services. Akwi lamented her unsuccessful efforts to secure emergency assistance, despite multiple written pleas to the Disaster Office.

Geoffrey Omolo, LC5 Chairperson for Katakwi District, who recently conducted an on-the-ground assessment, said that although steps are being taken to clear flood-blocked roads, the sheer volume of water has hampered progress. He urged residents to monitor their homes closely, especially during the night, to avoid danger from waterlogged structures, and advised parents to keep children away from the flooded areas.

With key roads still closed, vital services such as healthcare, education, and access to markets and security checkpoints remain out of reach for many, exacerbating the already severe challenges faced by the community.

Via TNN