Government will begin relocating thousands of households living in landslide-prone areas of the Bugisu sub-region on October 21, 2026, following President Yoweri Museveniโs directive.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja announced that each eligible household will receive a one-off Shs18 million resettlement package to purchase land in safer areas, with government allocating Shs62 billion for the exercise.
The programme will initially begin in Namisindwa District, prioritising the most vulnerable households and communities in high-risk areas. Assessments indicate that more than 13,000 households live in danger zones on the slopes of Mount Elgon.
Since 2010, government has resettled 1,100 households on more than 2,250 acres acquired in Kiryandongo, Bulambuli and Kween districts.
Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees Sam Engola urged beneficiaries to relocate immediately after receiving the funds, warning that houses left behind will be demolished in collaboration with security agencies. Residents will, however, have until December 31, 2026, to harvest their remaining crops.
The vacated land will be taken over by the Uganda Wildlife Authority for integration into Mount Elgon National Park. Ministers and local leaders will conduct physical verification and community sensitisation to ensure the funds reach eligible beneficiaries.
Bugisu legislators welcomed the cash-based approach, pledging to mobilise residents and support the relocation exercise. They also called for expanded risk mapping to identify additional communities threatened by landslides.
