By: Birungi Joyline
Buliisa District
Relief has reached 75 of the most vulnerable flood-affected residents in Buliisa after the Kakindo Women Integrated Development Agency (KAWIDA) delivered direct cash assistance to support families recovering from recent flooding.
The beneficiaries—drawn from persons with disabilities, widows, elderly residents, and women-headed households were selected from five severely affected areas: Butiaba Town Council, Butiaba Sub-county, Buliisa Sub-county, Buliisa Town Council, and Wanseko Town Council. In total, 15 individuals from each area received UGX 100,000 to help them cope with the impacts of displacement and loss of livelihoods.
The support was handed over during a community engagement meeting held yesterday evening at Buliisa Community Hall, attended by district leaders, KAWIDA officials, and beneficiaries.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Samuel Magambo, the District Chairperson for the Disaster Management Committee who is the Buliisa District Assistant CAO, applauded KAWIDA for reaching out to the most affected families. He urged recipients to use the funds wisely, emphasizing the importance of investing in sustainable income-generating activities.
“This support is not meant for misuse. We expect beneficiaries to invest in small businesses that can keep their families going even after the disaster,” Magambo cautioned.
He added that with many households still grappling with the aftermath of severe flooding, the cash support offers an opportunity for families to rebuild their livelihoods.
Audi Clip……… Mr. Magambo on Beneficiaries in Lugungu
According to Mr. Harrison Asaba, the KAWIDA Project Officer, the selection process was conducted in collaboration with local leaders to ensure transparency and fairness. Priority was given to residents who lost homes, property, or sources of income during the flooding.
“From each of the five targeted areas, we identified 15 of the most vulnerable individuals. These are people who urgently needed a boost to restart their lives,” Asaba explained.
Many recipients described the support as timely, given the increasing economic challenges facing flood-hit families. Sarah Birungi, one of the beneficiaries, thanked KAWIDA for stepping in at a critical moment.
“Many of us have been struggling to get food. This money has come at the right time, and I will use it to improve my living conditions,” she said.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Kamanda Kabagambe, the LC3 Chairperson for Buliisa Sub-county, condemned the tendency of some beneficiaries misusing relief funds.
“This money should not end up in bars or on unnecessary expenditures. Use it to build something that can support your family,” Kabagambe emphasized.
KAWIDA is a community-based organization dedicated to empowering women, promoting inclusive development, and supporting vulnerable communities in Buliisa District. The agency continues to run several livelihood, disaster recovery, and capacity-building programs in the region.
