The Bugisu Cultural Institution, also known as Bukuuka, is urging the Ugandan government to involve its leadership and clan structures in the ongoing relocation of households living in landslide-prone areas of the Bugisu sub-region. The institution's spokesperson, Uwelukoosi Steven Masiga, emphasized that meaningful consultation with the cultural leadership is essential for the program's success. The government has initiated a new resettlement approach, under which eligible households will receive a one-off payment of UGX18 million to purchase land in safer locations.
According to Masiga, the institution wants to be involved in planning, community sensitization, and the actual relocation of thousands of people facing the threat of landslides. He argued that involving cultural leaders is not only a matter of respect but also a practical requirement for ensuring the relocation exercise succeeds. Masiga expressed concern that the government appeared to be implementing the program without adequately briefing the cultural institution on the planned activities, the number of households affected, and the arrangements being made for communities expected to move.
The Bugisu Cultural Institution feels uncomfortable with the government's unilateral approach to relocating its subjects without proper briefing and updates. Masiga stated that the institution's leadership considers its exclusion a disturbing development and is petitioning the government to ensure that clan chairpersons, their executive committees, and the entire cultural leadership are involved in the process. He warned that excluding traditional leaders could create misunderstandings within communities and later expose the institution to blame if the relocation program encounters difficulties.
Beyond the relocation of households, Masiga said the exercise must take into account the cultural and historical significance of sites located in areas affected by landslides. Some communities facing relocation have traditional cultural sites and ceremonial grounds that could be disrupted if the exercise proceeds without consultations with the institution and the relevant clan leaders. The cultural leadership wants to help identify and preserve these sites while working with the government to determine how traditional cultural yards can be relocated or re-established.
The government commenced implementation of the new resettlement program last week, targeting households living in landslide-prone areas of the Bugisu sub-region. Under the new approach, each eligible household is expected to receive a one-off payment of UGX18 million to purchase land in a safer location. This cash-based arrangement aims to address longstanding challenges associated with acquiring sufficiently large tracts of land for resettlement within the region.
The new arrangement is expected to give eligible beneficiaries greater flexibility to purchase land according to their needs and the availability of suitable property. While welcoming the government's renewed efforts to protect communities from natural disasters, Masiga said the cultural institution should be treated as a partner in implementing the program. He appealed to the government to consult customary and cultural leaders for the success of the program.
The Bugisu cultural institution is structured to play a supportive role in government programs affecting its subjects and should be allowed to fulfil that responsibility. Masiga emphasized that the institution's involvement would help government communicate effectively with residents, address concerns, and encourage cooperation during the relocation process. The institution's participation is crucial to ensuring that the relocation program is successful and that the cultural heritage of the affected communities is preserved.
Key points
- The Bugisu Cultural Institution seeks involvement in the landslide relocation program to ensure its success and preserve cultural heritage.
- The institution wants to be involved in planning, community sensitization, and the actual relocation of households.
- The government has initiated a new resettlement approach, providing eligible households with a one-off payment of UGX18 million to purchase land in safer locations.
