The Ministry of Finance is set to release Shs20 billion
for emergency response to areas which have been recently hit by flooding.
The Minister of State for Finance (Planning), Hon David Bahati who was
responding to a Shs43 billion request from the Ministry of Disaster
Preparedness, said that all that money cannot be released immediately.
“Not all the money is needed now. We shall avail the shs20 million in the next
two days,” Bahati said.
Bahati’s commitment follows a report by the Minister of State for Disaster
Preparedness, Hon Musa Ecweru during plenary sitting on 26 November 2019.
Ecweru said there is need for an urgent response to 38,000km of district roads,
98,000km of urban roads and 79,000km of village access roads which have been
destroyed by floods.
He added that 20 bridges require overhaul.
“The above normal rain has caused water logging in many villages causing huge
post-harvest destruction. Affected population of over eight million requires
immediate shelter and relief food. Twenty districts are most prone to
waterborne diseases,” said Ecweru.
He added that the impact of flooding is highest in the regions of Bugisu, Teso,
Bukedi, Kigezi and Rwenzori as well as the districts of Ntoroko, Bundibugyo and
Kasese.
“Eighty five per cent of the population in these regions and districts
are facing severe losses of livelihoods in addition to destruction of commonly
used infrastructure. The Bugisu region has experienced landslides in addition
to flooding,” he said.
The Minister of State for Health, Hon Sarah Opendi advised the
Minsiterfor Disaster to identify priority areas so that the funds are
properly utilised.
“The ministry should explain to the House the identified priority areas because
it looks like the bulk of the money will go to roads,” she said.
The Speaker, Rebecca Kadaga advised the ministry to involve the district
disaster committees while identifying priority areas.
“The minister should prepare a schedule of the priority areas and report to the
House tomorrow,” said Kadaga.
Legislators raised concern over the distribution of the funds saying that the
ministry should ensure that all affected regions are covered.
Hon. Barnabas Tinkasimire (Ind. Buyaga West County) pointed out that there
should be no repeat of reports where the Minister for Disaster was accused of
misusing funds.
Hon. Hellen Asamo (NRM, PWDs Eastern) called for affirmative action for Persons
With Disabilities (PWDs) while distributing relief.
“PWDs miss out because distribution of relief items is characterised by
struggles which we cannot engage in,” she said.
In October this year, the Meteorogical Department forecast that the country
would experience above-normal rains between the months of September and
December.
