Several schools in Kilembe division, Kasese municipality, Kasese District, Western Uganda, were temporarily closed on Thursday after River Nyamwamba overflowed, causing flooding in the area.
The affected schools include Mt Rwenzori Girls Secondary School, Bulembia Primary School, Katiri Primary School, Roadbarrier Primary School, and Kyanzuki Primary School.
Due to their proximity to the river, the schools decided to send students home until the water recedes to normal levels.
Mr. Boosi Serapio, the head teacher of Road Barrier Primary School, explained that the river often crosses and surrounds the school during floods, posing a risk to the safety of the students.
He called on the government to desilt the river and construct effective gabions to prevent future flooding incidents.
Ms. Caroline Ebyau, the head teacher of Mt Rwenzori Girls Secondary School, echoed the concerns, emphasizing the need for precautionary measures due to the potential havoc caused by the flooded river.
The flooding also damaged a section of the road and swept away gabions near the bridge connecting Rukoki to Kasese town.
River Mubuku also experienced overflowing, resulting in the destruction of temporary foot-bridges.
Local residents expressed fear and concern about the situation, grateful that the flooding occurred during the day and had not entered their homes.
Mr. Richard Bomera, the chairperson of Bulembia Division, highlighted the urgency of desilting River Nyamwamba and constructing stronger gabions to prevent future flooding incidents.
While the premises of Kilembe Mines Hospital remained unaffected, the temporary closure of schools was deemed necessary as a precautionary measure.
The authorities and local community are now calling on the government to take swift action to address the situation and implement long-term measures to mitigate the impact of flooding in the area.