U.S. Announces Relief Funds for 2,500 Families Affected by Floods in Elgon Region

The United States Government and the American people, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is responding to the needs of the Ugandan people affected by the disastrous flooding and landslides in Eastern Uganda by providing cash payments to 2,500 of the most severely impacted households.

Heavy, sustained rainfall from July 30-31 resulted in significant flooding, landslides, and mudslides across six districts of the Mt. Elgon Sub-region where three major rivers burst their banks and flooded low-lying areas.

According to available data, approximately to 100,000 Ugandans were affected by the disaster.

The U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, Ambassador Natalie E. Brown, issued a Declaration of Humanitarian Need for flooding, landslides, and mudslides in the affected regions, as well as for additional potential impacts from continued heavy rain should they meet specified criteria.

In response, the U.S. will award Catholic Relief Services (CRS) funds to provide 2,500 households with a one-time cash transfer of between UGX 386,000 to UGX 536,000.

The cash will be sent directly to identified vulnerable households in the hardest-hit districts of Mbale, Bududa, Bukedea, and Bulambuli to help meet basic needs such as; food, sanitation, and temporary shelter, all of which are available for purchase in markets accessible to the recipients.

To ensure that U.S. assistance reaches the most vulnerable, CRS will coordinate with local government officials and affected communities, and also consult with those who work with marginalized groups such as; women, children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly.

USAID will continue to liaise with the Ugandan government and relief agencies to determine the type and amount of potential additional assistance.