The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved a $500,000 grant from its Special Relief Fund to support Uganda’s Emergency Relief Response Project for communities devastated by floods and landslides.
The financing will deliver urgent assistance to affected populations in the Bulambuli, Kasese, and Ntoroko districts, including the provision of family-size tents for around 1,500 internally displaced persons (IDPs). The initiative seeks to improve living conditions in temporary camps where thousands have taken refuge following the disasters.
Between 17 and 19 August 2025, heavy rainfall in the Mount Elgon subregion triggered severe flooding in Bulambuli, Sironko, and Mbale districts, while neighboring Namisindwa was hit by destructive landslides. Local authorities reported five deaths, 50 injuries, nearly 2,000 homes destroyed, and more than 5,000 displaced, with a total of 15,000 people impacted. These regions, located in the Rwenzori and Elgon mountains, have been repeatedly affected by extreme weather events in recent years, disrupting livelihoods and damaging critical infrastructure.
“Beyond emergency relief, the project is an investment in dignity, safety, and recovery,” said Mercuria Assefaw, Division Manager for Water Security and Sanitation at the Bank Group. She emphasized that providing safe temporary housing would not only address an urgent humanitarian need but also stimulate the local economy through procurement and logistics.
The project will be implemented by Uganda’s Office of the Prime Minister, through the Department of Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Management. By prioritizing rapid procurement and efficient delivery, the programme is expected to create opportunities for local suppliers and service providers, contributing to the broader recovery of flood-affected communities.
All activities are scheduled to be completed within six months, ensuring timely relief for displaced families and laying the foundation for long-term resilience.
“This grant reflects the Bank’s solidarity with Uganda,” added Assefaw. “By providing immediate relief, we aim to restore hope and stability as communities continue their journey of recovery.”
