Following the tragic incident of landslides that happened in the eastern Region of Uganda, Bududa to be Specific which not only displaced people but claimed lives too, several scholars have raised mixed reactions on government intervention.
Speaking while appearing on NBS TV on Thursday morning, Hon. Nandala ,Mafabi attacked the disaster and preparedness ministry for misappropriating the funds meant for relief.
The Budadiri legislator who also dubbles as the FDC Secretary General also said that If this government was serious, the Minister of Disaster Preparedness would be camping in the mountains during rainy season.
Nandala adds that there is also need to investigate where the contingency fund that takes 3% of the budget.
“The Auditor General must tell us where this money is. Contingency fund takes 3% of the budget and no one should tell you that there is no money.” He stated.
However Hon. Ecweru Musa Francis the Minister of State, Office of the Prime Minister (Relief and Disaster Preparedness) disputed this claiming citing that government is doing its best to see that people are safe.
Ecweru also adds for the last two Financial Years, the ministry hasn’t received the contingency fund adding that the biggest challenge in Mt. Elgon region is accessibility.
“We are using rudimentary tools because we cannot take equipment there. The terrain in Mount Elgon affects the search and rescue operations unlike other affected places like Elegu Elgon region was once an economic giant. It was characterized by forests and coffee plantations but they were cut. Climate change is real and it’s a consequence of a degraded environment. ” Minister said.
