HEAVY RAINS: Gov’t Warns Public to take Precautions during Rainy season

As heavy rains continue pounding various parts of the country,Governmet through the office of the prime minister is asking members of the public to take precustion to avoid falling victims to Natural disasters.

Motorists have been asked to observe speed limits due to reduced visibility associated with rainy weather and slippery road surfaces that reduce the effectiveness of the braking system ,authorities are asking road users both in the cities and country sides to avoid crossing flooded road sections until the water levels reduce.

The advisory seeks to reinforce the sector-based warnings and advisories issued from time to time to ensure adequate preparedness and response among the actors.

Communities in the landslides and flood prone areas are advised to continue being on alert, look out for the warning signs of floods and landslides- cracks on the surface and inform authorities.

The measures are meant to safe guard lives and livelihoods from the potential impacts of floods landslides and other related hazards.

According to Charles Odongtho, Senior communication officer in the office of the prime minister ,government is Strongly encouraging the communities in the sub regions to utilize the current rains to maximize food production by adhering to the agronomic principles of weed control.

It should be remembered that last week, Uganda Police registered a number of incidents arising from harsh weather patterns due to constant rains that have sparked flooding in some areas in several parts of Uganda.

On 24/11/2024 , Police picked remains of a male adult whose identity was not established whom they found floating on river Mpologoma at around 1400hrs In Buyemba ‘A’ Village, Lyama Town Council in Budaka District. It is suspected the body could have been swept by flood. On 25/11/2024 at around 1230hrs police picked the remains of Julius Ssemambo in Nabweru, South Ward, Nansana Municipality in Wakiso District floating on stagnant water in an abandoned house in Lubigi wetland. They conveyed the remains to the Kampala city mortuary.

On the 27/11/2024 at around 1100hrs Along Pakwach – Nwoya Road in Nwoya District, Mr Yahaya Hassan a UNRA engineer drowned in the waters of river Tangi. He was part of the team rescuing passengers aboard a taxi that was stuck in a flood.

On December 01, 2024, police marines retrieved another body of a female adult from river Tangi. Preliminary finds show that the deceased was among the passengers in the taxi that was being rescued on the fateful day. On the 27 November 2024 heavy rains triggered mudslides that buried a number of houses in Buluganya Sub County, Bulambuli  district. So far 21 bodies have been retrieved and more could be missing.

‘’We urge the public to exercise caution during this period and recommend that individuals maintain emergency contact numbers for police and other government agencies for any incidents requiring assistance’’,Kituuma Rusoke , the Police spokesperson.