news 20 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Uganda Government Allocates Shs62 Billion for Bugisu Landslide Victim Resettlement
The Ugandan government has earmarked Shs62 billion to resettle approximately 13,000 households from landslide-prone areas in the Bugisu sub-region. Each affected family will receive a Shs18 million cash package to facilitate their relocation to safer locations. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/govt-sets-aside-shs62b-to-resettle-13-000-bugisu-landslide-victims--5639732
The Ugandan government is set to begin relocating over 13,000 households from high-risk landslide zones in the Bugisu sub-region starting October 21, 2026. This initiative, following a presidential directive, aims to enhance disaster preparedness and ensure the safety of residents living on the slopes of Mount Elgon.
The decision was formalized during a recent Cabinet meeting and further detailed in an emergency meeting chaired by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja. Affected households will receive a one-off cash payment of Shs18 million, intended for purchasing land in safer areas within Bugisu or elsewhere in Uganda.
This program represents an extension of the government’s ongoing disaster management strategy, which has already seen over 1,100 households resettled in districts like Kiryandongo and Bulambuli since 2010. The allocated Shs62 billion will fund this latest phase of relocation, with the exercise commencing in Namisindwa District.
Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness, and Refugees, Mr. Sam Engola, emphasized that beneficiaries must vacate their current homes promptly after receiving the funds. The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) will be responsible for demolishing vacated houses to prevent future loss of life. A grace period until December 31, 2026, is granted for residents to harvest their crops.
Vacated land will be incorporated into the Mount Elgon National Park conservation area, as confirmed by the Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Mr. Tom Butime. To ensure transparency and prevent fraud, the implementation will involve physical verification, community meetings, and local radio sensitizations.
Local leaders from the Bugisu region have welcomed the cash payout model, seeing it as a more efficient and preferred alternative to previous government-led land acquisition programs. They have pledged their full support to disseminate information and ensure the program’s success, highlighting the urgent need to address the escalating risks posed by potential El Niño rains.