MBALE CITY, (UGNEWSLINE) – The cultural leader of the Bamasaba, Umukuuka Jude Mike Mudoma, has pledged to support the government’s plan to relocate communities living in landslide-prone areas of Mount Elgon to safer locations, while calling for better support packages for affected families.
The King of the Bamasaba, His Majesty Jude Mike Mudoma, has endorsed the government’s proposed resettlement programme for communities living in high-risk areas of Mount Elgon in eastern Uganda, saying the cultural institution will support efforts to protect lives and property.
Mudoma made the commitment during a meeting with Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja at Mbale Resort Hotel in Mbale City on Thursday evening.
The proposed relocation is aimed at moving communities living in landslide-prone areas of the mountain to safer locations, following persistent concerns over the dangers posed by landslides in the region.
During the meeting, the Umukuuka pledged the kingdom’s cooperation with the government, stressing the importance of involving the cultural institution in the resettlement process.
However, he urged the government to provide more comprehensive support packages to communities earmarked for relocation, noting the need to address the concerns and welfare of affected households.
The proposed exercise is expected to have significant implications for communities across the Bugisu sub-region, where thousands of people live in areas vulnerable to landslides and other natural hazards.
The Bugisu Kingdom, also known as the Bamasaba cultural institution, brings together communities from Mbale, Bududa, Manafwa, Sironko, Namisindwa and Bulambuli districts under the leadership of the Umukuuka, a cultural leader recognised by the Ugandan government.
With the kingdom’s endorsement, the government is expected to work with cultural leaders and other stakeholders as it advances plans to relocate vulnerable communities.
The meeting was also attended by the Minister of State for Bunyoro Affairs in the Office of the Prime Minister, Mary Grace Mugasa, and Bulambuli County MP Emmanuel Wepukhulu Biara.
The Prime Minister’s response to the kingdom’s concerns and the government’s position on the proposed additional support packages are expected to shape discussions around the implementation of the resettlement programme.
