The Government of Uganda has earmarked a compensation package of 17 million shillings to be given to each family to relocate and resettle away from the landslide prone areas in the Mt. Elgon region.

The affected persons are expected to use the money to relocate to any area of their choice. The launch of the exercise was presided over by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja witnessed by Bugisu district leaders, MPs and other politicians. 

The new government approach to give cash to residents to relocate from landslide prone areas in Bugisu sub-region is policy shift.  In the earlier policy from the deadly Bududa mudslide in 2012, the government relocated the affected people to areas it had identified. These included Kiryandongo district and Bunambutye in Bulambuli district.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who said that she was following up on the Cabinet directive, met with members of Parliament and local government leaders from Elgon Sub region, to set the schedule for the relocation exercise.     

Rt. Hon. Nabbanja emphasized that vacating people from landslide prone areas will be voluntary. The process will start with those willing to accept 17 million shillings per household as compensation.

Leaders in the Elgon Sub region were urged to speak with one voice and sensitize the affected persons to relocate, as a matter of urgency.

The Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Tom Butime cautioned politicians against sending a wrong message for selfish benefits and scuttle the relocation exercise. He said it was now an operational issue and that all line Government institutions will focus on it. 

It was resolved that those who will reject the shs.17 million compensation figure but want to stay in the high risk areas, will be forcefully evicted.

After everyone has vacated the land, an Environment Impact Assessment will be conducted to facilitate the gazettement of the land.