The recent mudslides that swept through parts of Kapchorwa and Bukwo districts in the Sebei Sub-region early this month (November) left at least 10 people dead, several others missing, and many displaced. In response, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) today delivered humanitarian support to affected communities currently sheltered at Tulel Primary School in Tulel Subcounty, Bukwo District.

The Uganda Wildlife Authority team was led by Commissioner Legal and Corporate Affairs, Mr. Chemonges Sabila, representing the Executive Director, joined by Commissioner Field Operations, Mr. Tumwesigye Charles, Assistant Commissioner Communications, Mr. Hangi Bashir, UWA liaison officers from the Police and UPDF, and MECA staff led by Chief Warden, Mr. Amanya Samuel, handed over a total of 450 woolen blankets to the displaced residents, through their local leaders, led by Hon. Chemutai Evelyn, the Woman Member of Parliament for Bukwo District.  

The communities hardest hit by the disaster include Chesower, Tulel, Kamet, Longo, Mutchet, and Kortek subcounties—areas that suffered significant property damage and loss of life. These communities are neighbors around Mount Elgon National Park, a region prone to recurring landslides mainly due to deforestation and limited tree cover. The lack of sufficient vegetation weakens soil stability and allows excess surface water to build up pressure, triggering such tragic events.

Speaking on behalf of the UWA Executive Director, Mr. Sabila offered condolences to the families who lost loved ones and wished a quick recovery to those hospitalized. He encouraged residents to move past previous disagreements with UWA and collaborate to enhance conservation efforts, especially through reforestation, to prevent future disasters.

In her remarks, Hon. Chemutai Evelyn thanked UWA for the prompt assistance. She noted that much of the land in the area is open and cultivated with crops like Irish potatoes and onions, making it vulnerable to erosion. She stressed that this tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for the community to plant more trees and adopt conservation as a sustainable solution.

The mission ended with a courtesy visit to Kapchorwa District Headquarters, where the team was welcomed by Principal Assistant CAO, Mr. David Chemutai. An additional 50 woolen blankets were donated to support affected families in Kapchorwa, bringing the total number of blankets distributed across the two districts to 500.