Kasese steps up El Niño preparedness amid fresh flood fears

What the report says

Kasese district in western Uganda is increasing disaster preparedness as officials brace for heavier rains linked to an expected El Niño pattern. According to Nile Post, local authorities are focusing on early warnings, evacuation planning and river desilting to reduce the risk of flooding, landslides and mudslides. The measures come after past weather-related disasters in the district damaged homes, roads, bridges and other infrastructure and displaced residents.

Officials said vulnerable communities are being assessed, with special attention on areas near River Nyamwamba, which has repeatedly overflowed and affected people in Kasese Municipality. District disaster leaders and municipal authorities are urging residents in low-lying and riverbank areas to heed warnings, prepare for possible evacuation and avoid waiting until floodwaters arrive. Some evacuation centres have already been identified, including in Karusandara, and an alarm system has been set up for communities along the river when water levels rise.

The district is also carrying out desilting in sections of River Nyamwamba, especially downstream, to improve water flow. Local leaders said the work needs more equipment and broader government support if it is to continue through the rainy season. They also said long-term flood planning should include identifying safe land for possible resettlement, since previous relocation efforts have faced resistance from residents who say they have nowhere else to move.

Officials added that preparedness is not only a government responsibility, and are encouraging households to follow warnings, stay away from known hazard zones and, in urban areas, consider rainwater harvesting to ease pressure on drainage systems.