By Everns Turyahikayo Bagumuhunda, focal person, URCS Kabale Branch
Kabale District has been threatened by famine and its related effects since the last decade. The disaster has now gone beyond the measure of anticipation since September 2011. The climate has relatively changed. Rains and sunshine are no longer reliable, yet farmers culturally follow the order of planting. As a result, crops meet heavy rains, hailstorms, and droughts at different seasons.
Degradation of environment has been so severe. Trees have been cut for charcoal, timber, and building poles un sparingly, grasses have been cut off for daily home use. There is a tremendous overgrazing yet the terrain is so sloppy. All these have led to soil causing a lot of soil erosion. This has led to low yields, which may result into famine.
In September 2011, Kabale experienced heavy rains and hailstorms that led to loss of crops, and property of majority farmers who heavily rely on agriculture. The little that survived met the recent too much scotching sun that dried off all crops. Now people do not have what to plant for the next seasons.
Comparing population with the yields, population has increased, yet land is dormant. Other people from our neighborhood have invaded the district searching for food, to take to Rwanda, Congo, Kampala, and other areas. Competition for food has become a threat yet people cannot ha state to sell, for they are poor.
Uganda Red Cross Society Kabale branch is now anticipating chronic and perpetual threat of famine on the entire population, owing to natural calamities and disasters.
However, not all hope is lost. In a bid to strengthen the capacity to predict, prepare, and to respond to the looming disasters, URCS Kabale branch recently organised a one day stake holders meeting aimed at discussing disaster risk reductions and preparedness in the district. The meeting that took place on 9th February 2012 at Hotel Home Again in Kabale town was attended by different stakeholders in the district especially agencies and NGOs that involve in disasters, and government departments.
The government was represented by the Kabale deputy resident district commissioner Mr Nixon Kabuye, who in his remarks appreciated the role of Uganda Red Cross society in intervening for the most vulnerable, and being the visible humanitarian agency in the region. He however challenged the agency to be more vocal and approach the communities so that the work can be more felt.
The chairman branch governing board Mr Turyazooka Elikanah, thanked all stakeholders for adhering to the calling of the society, requested for more collaboration and networking, and continued to say that Red Cross shall always commit itself to assisting the vulnerable as long as the human suffering exists.
The meeting was chaired by the branch governing board, facilitated by the district police commander who listed the roles played by the police in disaster situations, Arinaitwe Ronald the Branch Manager disseminated about Red Cross role in disaster situations.