As Uganda braces for the dry spell of drought and torrential rains continue to thump other parts of the country, the residents whose crops and gardens have been destroyed by rains are bracing for famine.
The Head Communications in URCS Catherine Ntabadde says many people in Teso sub-region (Mother Teso), eastern Uganda whose crops were destroyed earlier by floods survive on a meal a day and some fear the approaching drought means they will not have anything to drop in their stomachs soon.
According to Ntabadde, during water logging in Teso sub-region URCS assisted 314 households (1,931 people) in Serere, Amuria and Katakwi affected by floods The affected families received tarpaulins, mosquito nets, soap, jerry cans, and water guards.
She adds that the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) assigned URCS the responsibility of managing Matanda refugee transit camp in Kanungu, which was hosting 3,276 Congolese refugees.
Ntabadde notes that URCS deployed 19 volunteers and staff who supported OPM and UNHCR to register new arrivals, construct tents, build latrines, set up mobile toilets, distribute food and fire wood, sensitise refugees on proper sanitation and hygiene and stored food stuffs and essential household items.
She says OPM provided transportation of refugees to the transit camp and ensured security of the camp while UNHCR conducted the final registration of those registered by URCS on arrival.
In Apac, 234 households (1,404 people) affected by flooding also received essential household items from URCS.
The agency’s Secretary General Michael Richard Nataka says an emergency plan is in place to respond to any disaster that may occur due to weather changes. Nataka says URCS is in contact with the OPM for any disaster response that may be required.
She adds that in Lyantonde, heavy hailstorm earlier destroyed houses and food crops. URCS assisted 135 households with relief items and assessments were being conducted in Iganga and Kiruhura where hailstorms also destroyed crops and houses.
