Floods ravage 6 sub-counties in Dokolo after downpour

By Nasuru Hassan Ocen

Six sub-counties in Dokolo district have been severely affected by floods following days of heavy downpour, the District LC5 chairperson, James Otoo Apili, confirmed in a telephone interview on Thursday afternoon.

Otoo Apili said the flooding has greatly damaged food crops in the affected areas due to the rising water levels in Lake Kyoga and Lake Kwania. The worst-hit sub-counties include Adeknino, Kwera, Okwangdul, Agwata town council, Agwata, and Adok.

Among the crops destroyed are tomatoes, cabbages, soya beans, maize, sweet potatoes, cassava, beans, and simsim.

The chairperson noted that the district disaster committee has begun collecting data on the affected households for submission to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) to facilitate urgent relief and intervention.

He also appealed to residents living along the lake shores of Kwania to relocate to safer areas to protect their lives and health.

In Agwata town council, LCIII chairperson Tonny Obel Obala confirmed that the heavy rains have destroyed food crops, threatening famine and hunger.

He added that sanitation facilities have been submerged, while flooded roads have disrupted access to health facilities, schools, and markets.

Obel warned of an increase in malaria cases and waterborne diseases such as diarrhea and bilharzia. He cited Kachung Western Ward, Kachung Eastern, Acoto Ward, Amuda, and Tetugu Ward as some of the worst-affected areas.

The local leader further appealed to the government and non-governmental organizations to provide food relief and planting materials to support displaced and devastated families.

In Kwera sub-county, LCIII chairperson David Adim Awany expressed concern that rising water from Lake Kwania has displaced gardens and livelihoods along the shores.

Similarly, in Adeknino sub-county, LCIII chairperson Fredrick Ogwal Owiny reported that floods have affected 17 villages, rendering some roads impassable.

Ogwal further revealed that wild animals such as hippopotamuses and crocodiles have invaded gardens, destroying crops and heightening fear among residents. He warned that the situation could worsen food insecurity and poverty in the area.

Flooding is not new to Dokolo. In 2024, more than 15,000 households were affected and later supported by the OPM alongside humanitarian organizations including Caritas Uganda, the Global Health Network, and the Uganda Red Cross Society.