EDITOR
Following the continued delay of government support and funds to residents affected by disasters, Rubanda District LC5 Chairperson Ampeire Steven Kasyaaba has called on the government to extend disaster-related support and funds directly to district local government headquarters for quick and easy access by the affected residents.
Kasyaaba made this appeal while responding to the recent heavy rains and floods that have hit several hilly areas in Rubanda District including Kashasha Town Council, where a lot of property was destroyed last week.
He confirmed that district authorities are aware of the disasters that have struck the area but noted that the district has limited capacity to support the affected residents, since emergency funds remain under the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM). He said that for now, the district can only record the affected households and assess the magnitude of the disaster.
Citing the repeated failure of the responsible government offices to respond in time to disaster victims in Rubanda District, Kasyaaba urged the government to decentralize emergency funds from the OPM to local government headquarters, where affected people—especially in hilly regions like Kigezi Subregion—can access relief more quickly.
Expressing disappointment in national leaders and Members of Parliament for remaining silent while locals suffer, Kasyaaba said he is determined to push for a parliamentary debate on the issue, questioning why funds meant for local disaster response are not managed by local governments if the disasters themselves occur within their jurisdictions.
