By Weswa Ronnie
BULAMBULI
The Bunambutye Resettlement Camps, which shelter landslide victims from sub counties which were hit by landslides in Bulambuli District, are facing a growing crisis of domestic violence due to separation of families within the camp.
Red Cross, Bulambuli district local government and office of the Prime Minister erected temporary tents for housing people who were evacuated from disaster risk areas as government plans to give them land for permanent resettlement.
However, the limited number of tents forced authorities to house men, women, and children separately, a decision that has led to emotional distress and rising tensions among displaced families.
Sam Wanzala and Zadok Gidongo, all landslide victims resettled at Bunambutye resettlement camp say that it’s unfortunate that it is now 3 months when they don’t meet with their spouses at night since they were brought into camps.
They say this is seriously challenging them as family members adding that if government delays to resettle them, they are ready to go back to their disaster risky areas.
According to Richard Namukono, the LC3 Chairman of Buluganya Sub County where landslides occurred, separation is the primary concern.
“While this arrangement aims to address safety and logistical issues, it has caused emotional distress among families,” Namukono said.
Namukono said, many men in the camp have expressed frustration, arguing that being separated from their wives is taking an emotional toll and fueling domestic disputes.
“The men feel they should be with their families, especially during such difficult times. The separation is causing frustration, leading to violence,” Namukono explained.
He urged the government to reunite families by providing individual tents and emphasized the urgent need for permanent resettlement.
To ease tensions, Namukono called for additional tents and counseling services to help families cope with the trauma of displacement and the stress of camp life.
Annet Nandudu, the LC5 chairperson of Bulambuli district says that so far six families have separated due to such issues.
She urged the government to expedite the process of allocating people land to resettle.
However, Jim Ogwang, Commissioner at the office of the Prime Minister when contacted on phone, said government programs take time urging them to be patient.
