Five years since floods displaced thousands in Kasese, residents at Muhokya temporary camp say their right to life and dignity is under severe threat.

Over ten people have died in the camp, the latest being Remegio Mbagaye, whose burial today again highlighted the desperation of climate refugees still waiting for government resettlement land.

Residents of Muhokya temporary camp in Kasese district are calling on the government to expedite the process of procuring them permanent land, warning that continued delays are costing lives.

In the last five years, more than ten people have died in the camp, with some of their bodies buried by relatives and friends under the understanding that they will be reburied once the families are resettled.

On Saturday morning, Family TV found camp residents digging a grave for one of their own, 65-year-old Remegio Mbagaye, who succumbed to illness after months of battling poor health.

Rehema Namale Rehema Namale said they had no alternative but to bury Mbagaye inside the camp.

She reminded the government that thousands of people were displaced in 2020 when floods devastated Kasese, leaving them climate refugees with no safe home, clean water, or healthcare.

Namale added that the camp, which now shelters over 1,000 people, is plagued with food shortages, limited access to health facilities, and worsening poverty.

Most of the residents came from camps spread across the district, including Kasika, Kyarumba, Kilembe, Kanyenge, and Kyondo.

The deceased, originally from Karusandara Sub-county, was eventually taken for burial by a Good Samaritan in Bushenyi district, who offered land on condition that he would not be responsible for the widow and orphans.

Mr. Zakeri Mbughumwa, another displaced resident battling kidney and lung complications, told Cou Family TV that he has sold all his belongings to survive but still cannot afford treatment.

[ I have been dealing with kidney issues, but recently, I have been feeling relatively well. However, I have started experiencing chest pain that is making it difficult for me to breathe and speak. The situation has become desperate, and I have had to sell all my possessions, including my poultry, to cope. Unfortunately, I was later diagnosed with a lung problem, but I am struggling to afford the necessary medication.

As yet another life is lost at Muhokya camp, residents warn that their patience is wearing thin. With worsening health, hunger, and despair, the displaced say only urgent government action on land resettlement can restore their dignity and avert more preventable deaths.