GEDA- UGANDA JOINING THE COMMEMORATION OF THE WORLD BREASTFEEDING WEEK(WBW) 2020

REFLECTION ON BREASTFEEDING AND THE ENVIRONMENT:

Every year, the globe commemorates the World breastfeeding week in the first week of the month of August.

This week, Uganda Joins other parts of the world in commemoration of the world breast feeding week that starts today the 1st August through 7th of August 2020 reflecting on a national theme “Safe breastfeeding for a healthier nation”.

This year’s theme focuses on the impact of Breastfeeding on the environment and the obligation to protect, promote and Support safe breastfeeding for a healthier nation.

World breastfeeding week has the dual goal of improving the health of babies and promoting, protecting, and supporting the rights of women to breastfeed anywhere and at any time.

One could imagine why WBW commemoration?

The WBW commemoration provides governments, international, national, community based and civil society organizations as well as all other stakeholders an opportunity to conduct massive advocacy and campaigns aimed at promoting, protecting and supporting breastfeeding.

This comes along with activities that create awareness to communities on optimal breastfeeding practices, training of health care practitioners to provide support to mothers/parents in regard to appropriate breastfeeding, formulation and implementation of the legislations and policies concerning breastfeeding and   breastmilk substitutes as well as reflecting on commitments towards achieving optimal breastfeeding practices and the SDGs.

This year’s World Breastfeeding Week also highlights the huge benefits that breastfeeding can bring to the health and welfare of babies and to maternal health, focusing on good nutrition, poverty reduction, food security and protection of environment.

From the reflection on the WBW theme, we recognize that breastmilk is a natural, renewable nutritious food that is produced and delivered to the consumer without pollution, packaging or waste as compared to breastmilk substitutes.

One could also wonder why breastfeeding?

Studies have revealed that breastfeeding is a universal solution that gives everyone a fair start in life and lays a foundation for good health and survival of children and women.

The following reasons make breastfeeding very important;

  • Breast milk contains all the essential nutrients and water that the baby needs for growth and development, rich in antibodies that support the child’s body to fight against infections.
  • Breastmilk is easy to digest, safe and clean and so lowers chances of infections that could result from contamination.
  • Breastfeeding is the cheapest, readily available and most effective way to increase survival and health of children which ultimately results into a healthier planet. “healthy eating for a healthier planet”.
  • Breast feeding creates a bond between the mother and the child.
  • Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of mothers developing breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart diseases.
  • Prevents mothers from getting pregnant so early when the baby is still very young (can be used as a family planning).
  • In regards to the environment, breastfeeding is an option that can reduce waste, pressure on available food systems and natural resources invested in the production of Breast Milk Substitute

The other person could ask what are the recommended and optimal breastfeeding practices:

  • Breastfeed your baby within the first 1 hour after birth. As the very first yellow breast milk(colostrum) is very good and safe for the baby; It has vast antibodies that protects the baby against diseases.
  • Give the baby breast milk ONLY from birth to 6 completed months. Do not give other foods and drinks like water or juice to the baby. Your breastmilk provides all the food and water that your child needs during this time. Only medicines/syrups prescribed by a qualified health worker should be given.
  • At 6 completed months, breast milk alone no longer provides the baby with adequate nutrients needed for proper growth & development. Breast milk should be complemented with a variety of

adequate, safe and nutrient-dense foods from the 3 main food groups. Once you introduce other foods at 6 completed months, continue to breastfeed the baby up to 2 years and beyond.

What are the barriers to breastfeeding?

Although the value of breastfeeding is well understood, there are many barriers that can make it difficult for women to start and continue breastfeeding. Some of the barriers include;

  • Limited knowledge of the mothers and family members about breastfeeding.
  • Many women do not know about the risks associated with formula feeding and the hazards of improper use.
  • Social cultural norms and myths on breastfeeding. (presenter could mention some myths in our context)
  • Gender roles that limit male involvement and support in breastfeeding.
  • Promotion and marketing of infant formula as a suitable alternative undermines breastfeeding.
  • Many women give birth without access to the quality care, counselling and support from Health workers to initiate breastfeeding within the first hour of birth.
  • Heavy work-load on the mothers which interferes with exclusive breastfeeding as fail to cope with the breastfeeding role.
  • Working environment for breastfeeding mothers is not conducive for breastfeeding e.g. no space available for keeping the baby at the workplace.
  • Policies supporting and promoting breastfeeding have not been enforced e.g. noncompliance of health facilities in supporting breastfeeding particularly in the private health facilities.
  • Limited advocacy for protection, promotion and support for breastfeeding.
  • Lack of adequate infrastructure to supporting breastfeeding e.g. human milk banks to support children who are unable to breastfeed.

Is breastfeeding of help in protecting and safeguarding our environment?

Over the years, the scale of human activities has impacted on the natural resources massively leading to their depletion and destruction as well as increase in the emission of major Greenhouse gases (GHG) that have tremendously led to catastrophic climatic changes.

Due to the continuous climate changes, there is great need to protect our planet and our own health by using resources such as land, water and energy sources responsibly; conserving biodiversity and consuming with care.

Breastmilk is the first food that we consume and is a critical part of a sustainable food system. On the other hand, feeding with breastmilk substitutes (BMS) is a growing phenomenon that is contributing to the problem of environmental crisis which needs to be addressed. We need to better understand the impact of different feeding methods on planetary health in both normal and emergency situations.

When it comes to protecting the environment, every solution count; Breastfeeding too can help in altering the scorecard.

Breastfeeding is clean and environmentally friendly as it needs no water, preparation in terms of cooking/heating, transport and packaging and so produces no waste and pollution.

Therefore, adopting breastfeeding as a climate smart decision means that;

  • We are cutting down on carbon emissions from the dairy farming, production, processing and transport industries.
  • Reducing pressure on natural resources that could be invested in production, packaging, distribution and preparation of breastmilk substitutes (water, forests, land, minerals, energy etc.).
  • We are also cutting on the existing food systems as well as reducing waste from breastmilk substitutes.

Ecological footprint of breastfeeding

Breastfeeding for six months after birth requires on average an additional 500 kcal of energy a day. Although breastfeeding may require an additional intake of water depending on factors such as weather and activity levels, there is no evidence of the amount needed beyond meeting physiological requirements.

All parents should be supported to make healthy nutritional and planetary choices especially throughout the reproductive continuum, which includes breastfeeding.

Ecological footprint of breastmilk substitutes (BMS)

  1. Dairy farming and the carbon trap;

The main ingredient of most BMS is cows’ and goats’ milk. Dairy farming typically releases substantial amounts of methane and other GHG. Furthermore, feed rations or grazing areas needed by dairy cattle can lead to deforestation. This in turn increases the amount of carbon dioxide, as trees are no longer available to absorb it and provide the carbon trap to prevent climate change. It’s also important to note that majority of the feed   rations for dairy animals are derived from cereals and soybeans grown with intensive use of pesticides and fertilisers. This leaves behind another major ecological footprint.

  1. Energy sources and carbon emissions;

The production, packaging, distribution, transportation and preparation processes of BMS, as with most food production, requires energy. If the source of energy is fossil fuels, the carbon foot print (CFP)will be higher.

Ggovernments and industries are encourageed to work towards reducing carbon emissions and increasing renewable energy to meet global climate goals on climate change.

  1. Waste in our environment

Waste is another factor to consider in terms of ecological footprint. Feeding one million babies with formula for two years requires on average approximately 150 million cans of formula. Metal cans, if not recycled, are likely to end up in landfill sites, while plastic, aluminium and paper waste often end up in our oceans.

  1. Water footprint of BMS.

Water footprint refers to the total volume of fresh water used to produce the goods and services consumed by an individual or community or which are produced by a business.

BMS production and preparation require water and fresh water is a scarce natural resource and commodity and therefore needs to be protected. Efforts to conserve, recycle and replenish our water sources are essential.

Given the comparative analysis breastfeeding is very important and plays a key role in protecting the ecological systems and prevent environmental depletion.

It is therefore our responsibility to promote, protect and support breastfeeding for a healthier nation.

MenEngage in Menstrual hygiene management

Internally displaced men in Kasese District Western Uganda actively participated in making reusable sanitary pads for their wives and children following the adoption of the Men Engage approach by Gender Environment and Development Action Uganda(GEDA-Uganda).

Practical session in progress for the re-usable sanitary pads.

Whereas menstrual hygiene management is always viewed as a women and Girls’ issue, the internally displaced men and boys in Kanyangeya IDP camp in Kasese challenged this narrative by making reusable pads for their women and children during a training organized by GEDA-Uganda.

“My name is Muhindo Rabson commonly known as Kapiriri, I would like to thank GEDA-Uganda for training us in making reusable pads for our women that will improve on menstrual hygiene management and will reduce on our monthly expenditures on sanitary pads. The money saved will be used for other household basic needs……. Our shirts will also be spared since some of our wives have been improvising with pieces of cloth from our shirts due to lack of alternative sanitary pads. With this we will live healthy and peaceful with our wives in the camps”.  

10 Men and boys participated alongside 50 Women and girls that were able to make one complete reusable sanitary pad each by the end of the training bringing the total trained in making of reusable pads to 115 in internally displaced camps in Kasese District. The trained men and boys will be mentored by GEDA-Uganda as role model men and boys in menstrual hygiene management, reproductive health, GBV and VAC mitigation and Response in the IDP camps.

Men engaged in making re-usable sanitary pads during the training.

There is still a huge need for sanitary pads for women and girls of reproductive age in internally Displaced Person’s camps in Kasese District that calls for attention from Government, CSOs, Development partners and well-wishers.    The unmet needs for sanitary pads if not given attention may lead to bad coping mechanisms for women and girls like using any available materials as sanitary pads that may pose a health threat.

During the training, GEDA Uganda also created awareness on menstrual hygiene management and sexual and reproductive health for teenage girls and boys.

In addition, GEDA Uganda is also creating awareness on Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Violence Against Children (VAC) prevention and response using awareness sessions in camps, radio talk shows, radio drama series on Guide radio-Kasese and is using it,s toll free line (0800100029) for response and referral for GBV, VAC, Sex and reproductive health.

Participants posing for a photo with GEDA staff at the end of the training.

Child marriages still remains a challenge in Kasese District

Child marriage is a global problem affecting millions of girls across the world. It is considered a human rights violation because it deprives those involved of education and health services, the chance to learn skills and develop their personalities and leaves them vulnerable. It is an appalling violation of human rights and robs girls of their education, health and long-term prospects.

Uganda is one of the countries with the highest early and forced marriage. 10% of girls are married off before the age of 15 and 40% of girls re married off before their 18th birth day (UNICEF 2011).

Even when Marriage remains one of the celebrated moments and a key millstone among families across Rwenzori region. Sadly, there is no more cause of celebration today because of the high cases of child marriages in the region.

In 2014, Kasese District hit the headlines when a 12-year-old girl was “officially” married off.  Currently, several villages in Kasese are dotted with child mothers.

Sowed, Kitanywa, the Kasese District Senior Probation and Social Welfare Officer, then said the district was grappling with high school dropout rates. He said most girls are persuaded to drop out of school by men into marriage according to Uganda radio network (URN Jan 2020).

Recent statistics in Kasese indicate that for every 94% girl children who attend primary one, only 32% manage to reach primary seven. Three-quarters of the children who start primary education never make it to secondary level.

Kitanywa blames this trend on violence against children in school, parental neglect and lack of cooperation among the community to have guided this trend.

The narrative seems not to have changed either. This was revealed during a radio talk show conducted by GEDA Uganda this week about the causes, dangers and effects of early marriages. It was highlighted by the Officer in Charge (OC) child and family protection unit Kasese that poverty, domestic violence, wars or displacement, peer pressure, negative cultural beliefs, lack of essential needs like sanitary pads are the most causes of early marriages. Adverse effects of this problem has led to child mothers, poverty to their young families, stunted brain development and growth of children produced since they do not have enough and the rightful nutritious foods to feed their children on, family breakages, high infant mortality rate and other health challenges like fistula since these girls bones are not strong enough to push babies. According to statistics from Kasese Police since March 2020, 30 children have since been reported married, 24 defiled and for Isule health center in Maliba sub county, from December 2019 to March 2020 50 girls were attending antenatal care. The new vision of 13th March 2020, Government is worried that about 10 millon children may not go back to school after lockdown both boys and girls. Currently kasese has Maliba, Munkunyu, Mpondwe-Lhubiriha town council, Karambi, Hima, Karusandara, Nyakatonzi and Kilembe sub-counties leading in early child marriages.

The magnitude of the problem is big and needs efforts of every duty bearer, parents, civil society organizations, Government to curb this. GEDA Uganda is adding her small contribution to end this vice by mass awareness through radio talk shows, drama series, engaging girls and women in the make of reusable sanitary pads for sustainability purposes and avoiding temptations from the girls and women with bad coping up mechanisms.

It is our responsibility to end child marriages now. It’s time up. Together we can defeat this vice.

GEDA Uganda toll free line 0800100029 is still available to report such cases just in case you have no access to police and other responsible leaders.

Child labor is real in Kasese District

In 2018, Uganda made a moderate advancement in efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labor. The Ministry of Gender, Labor, and Social Development, in partnership with the Kampala Capital City Authority, removed 283 children from the streets of Kampala and provided them with social services. The government initiated proceedings to harmonize legal provisions on minimum age to align with international standards. It also drafted a National Action Plan on Child Labor, which was approved in February 2019. However, children in Uganda engage in the worst forms of child labor in commercial sexual exploitation, sometimes as a result of human trafficking. Children also perform dangerous tasks in gold mining, carrying heavy luggage among others.

Probation officer, Child and family officer and GEDA Uganda staff in the the studios discussing child labor.

Child Labour denies fundamental human rights such as the right to education, right to rest and leisure and free from the country’s unfair working conditions.

Kasese District either has not been spared in as far as child labor is concerned. This was revealed during the radio talk show by GEDA Uganda on Kasese guide radio. The radio program unpacked child labor with different forms such as child trafficking, slavery, forced labour, sexual exploitation, pornographic performance and many more others.

It was also revealed that some of these acts are brought about by poverty, big family sizes, corruption, civil wars, rural urban migration and primitive traditional cultural practices.

Speaking during the same radio talk show, the police officer in charge of child and family kasese District revealed that atleast one child labor case is reported on a daily basis in Kasese and that Kasese municipality is leading in such cases followed by Hima Town council, Katwe-Kabatooro and Mpondwe-Lhubiriha TC in that order.

The District probation officer Kasese confirmed these reports during the same radio talk show saying that every year Kasese District records about 2500 cases saying they could be more than that adding the unreported cases. Several callers appreciated GEDA Uganda for the timely talk show and confirmed most of these child labor cases.

Previous talk show on the legal aspect of child labor and GBV

This program follows a previous one GEDA Uganda had conducted on the legal aspect of Violence Against Children (VAC) and Gender Based Violence (GBV) that was attended by Mr.Bwalhuma Isaac from the Uganda Christian lawyers Fraternity and the Officer in charge of child and family Kasese.

It is our responsibility to end violence against children, GEDA Uganda still calls upon all development actors in the fight against these vices. Together we can make it. Our toll free line is still open 0800100029 for any child and GBV related cases in your community.

Periods neither stop in pandemics nor disasters

GEDA–Uganda takes Action with internally Displaced women and girls in Kasese- Uganda.

Every year on May 28, Menstrual Hygiene Day (MH Day) is celebrated across the world.  It’s time for Action was the theme for the 2020 MH Day in Uganda. Cognizant of the theme GEDA-Uganda has continued with post MH Day activities amongst the internally displaced persons(IDPs) in Kasese District in   Western Uganda.

GEDA- Uganda has so far trained 65 women and girls of reproductive age in making of reusable pads in Crimson PS camp as a more sustainable approach for menstrual hygiene management for the displaced persons. GEDA will train a total 150 women and girls as TOTs in the camps to train other women and girls in IDPs. The menstrual hygiene day of 2020 was commemorated amidst a double tragedy of Covid-19 pandemic and floods disaster in Kasese District that saw a total of about 500 households displaced and currently living in about 24 IDPs in Kasese District.

There is a huge need for sanitary pads for women and girls of reproductive age in these camps that calls for attention from Government, CSOs, Development partners and well-wishers.

In her remarks Kabugho Alice one of the trainees thanked GEDA Uganda for having trained them to make reusable sanitary pads “I thank GEDA Uganda for having trained us in the use of sanitary pads”

GEDA Staff instructing and helping women to cut the cloth for the exercise

Similarly Kibikwamu Alice appreciated GEDA Uganda “Am grateful to GEDA for the training offered to us that in such a single a day we’re able to learn all this, continue training even in other bigger things, GOD bless you”

The unmet needs for sanitary pads if not given attention may lead to bad coping mechanisms for women and girls like using any available materials as sanitary pads that may pose a health threat.

During the training, GEDA Uganda created awareness on menstrual hygiene management, sexual and reproductive health management.

Trainees posing with their finished products after the training. Extreme right is GEDA’s Margret Kidima

In addition GEDA Uganda is also creating awareness on Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Violence Against Children (VAC) prevention and response using awareness sessions in camps, radio talk shows, radio drama series on Guide radio-Kasese. GEDA Uganda is using it’s toll free line (0800100029) for response and referral for GBV, VAC and reproductive health.

Voices from trainees.

 

GEDA- Uganda asked to embrace partnerships and explore innovative approaches for joint action against VAC and GBV in Kasese

Gender Environment and Development Action (GEDA –Uganda) has been asked to embrace partnerships for joint action against VAC and GBV. This message was delivered by Kasese District stakeholders at a scientific breakfast inception meeting organized by GEDA-Uganda to introduce the project titled; creating mass awareness to mitigate and respond to VAC and GBV during COVID-19 lock down in Kasese District with funding from Fr Roose Fund. The inception meeting attended by the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC), the District Education Officer (DEO), Police in charge of Child and Family, GEDA-Uganda Board chairperson, the principal Community Development Officer – Kasese Municipality, UGANET, Rwenzori Women Forum, the District Probation Officer, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) among others made a strong appeal to GEDA_ Uganda to explore innovative approaches to mitigate and respond to Violence Against Children(VAC) and Gender Based violence(GBV).

This appeal comes at a time when Kasese and Uganda as a whole is experiencing a rise in VAC and GBV cases due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Kasese District has one of highest child marriages in Uganda and the district has the youngest mother in the country at 11 years. VAC and GBV are notorious virus that require unique appraoch to achieve desired change in Kasese District; said the District Education Officer- Kasese District.  He noted that the partnership between GEDA-Uganda and Rwenzori women forum was key in the fight against VAC in Kasese District and Karangura Sub-county in Kabarole since the early marriage vice seemed common amongst the Bakonzo in the mountainous areas. Annet Kobusinge from UGANET  asked GEDA to involve the cultural institutions in its work to fight the negative traditional practices of marrying off young girls below 18 years of age in Kasese and pledged cooperation with GEDA in the implementation of the project activities since UGANET had similar activities.

 

The participants also noted with concern that men and boys have been left out in GBV programming and interventions yet they are equally affected.  In response Rev.Fr Dr. Paddy, the board chairperson GEDA- Uganda assured the participants that GEDA-Uganda was an action oriented and dynamic organization committed to delivering a holistic approach to mitigate and respond to Violence against Children, Women and girls, boys and men.

During the inception meeting GEDA-Uganda made presentation about the objectives of the project, the targeted beneficiaries, the plan activities and budget. The participants applauded GEDA- Uganda for organizing the inception meeting and pledged their commitment and support in the implementation of the project.

From the inception meeting actions were agreed upon and key among them were; integration of messages on mitigation and response to VAC in the teaching programs on radio during COVID-19 lock down for schools. GEDA was to follow up with the District Education officer. Jointly advocate for the integration of VAC and GBV mitigation and response in the work plans for the COVID- 19 task force and district disaster committee. In addition, Link with other partners to strengthen the existing referral path way and engage cultural and religious leaders in the fight against early marriages vice in Kasese District.

TOGETHER WE CAN STEP WITH REFUGEES

On this 20th day of June 2020, Gender- Environment and Development Action Uganda (GEDA-Uganda) would like to join the rest of the World to commemorate the World Refugee Day under the theme “Every Action counts,everyone can make a difference”. According to UNHCR  (May 2020) Uganda is hosting  1,424,373 refugees  51.7% females, 58.8% below 18 years and 2.5% elderly 60+ years. This World refugee day comes amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and as the world and cities went into lockdown to stop the spread of coronavirus, the mass efforts to save lives have put one vulnerable group more at risk. Development and humanitarian programs that support women, girls and other vulnerable groups have been disrupted, although their needs may have amplified.

Refugees in Uganda have since April 2020 received 30% cut in food assistance due to limited funding to the great lakes region. This is likely to force households to engage in negative coping mechanisms, such as consuming less food. Where women eat last and least, this may lead to additional Maternal, Infant and child malnutrition amongst the refugees.

In addition, Women and girls’ needs for protection services—including gender-based violence (GBV) and intimate partner violence (IPV) may have increased due to the COVID-19 lock down yet GBV is still rampant amongst refugees with women, girls and PSNs being most at risk, pressure for households to meet the basic needs during and post COVID-19 lock period with no or limited alternative livelihood options is likely to escalate Gender-Based Violence. A protection needs assessment conducted by APEAL consortium in January 2020 revealed that vulnerable refugees rely on negative coping mechanisms with most reported in Kyaka II refugee settlement in Uganda being exploitative casual labour reported by 63.5% of respondents; sale of food and NFI assistance (57.9%), Begging (56.7%), Child labour (49%) and Seek out for intimate/love relationship (24%).

Therefore, GEDA- Uganda would like to appeal to individuals, Organisations, UN agencies and the international community to Step up action for the plight of the refugees amidst the glaring effects of COVID-19 pandemic.  Together we can make a difference in the lives of millions of refugees world over.

 

GEDA Uganda continues to fulfill her mandate

Since the May 2020 floods in Kasese District that saw major rivers burst their banks destroying property worth millions of shillings, several displaced persons have remained in camps that were established at different schools premises by the District Authorities.

Several households in Maliba, Kilembe, Kitholhu, Kyarumba sub counties, Nyamwamba Division and other areas of the District were most affected as they saw their houses, property, being washed away by the rivers that broke their banks. Since then most of these households have been surviving on donations from different compassionate organisations that have managed to deliver food stuffs, tauplines, clothings among others.

The floods came amidst the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown in the country causing a double tragedy to the people of Kasese District.

During this period, there has also been a big cry and call especially among the women and girls of reproductive age that have found it hard accessing sanitary pads during their menstrual period times. This is one of the health concerns across all the IDP camps in the District.

Gender-Environment and Development Action yesterday afternoon joined the cause and delivered some boxes of sanitary pads to the IDPs in Kanyangeya parish. Gender sensitivity is one of our core areas of intervention. Speaking to the leaders and citizens in the IDP Margret Kidima the Director humanitarian, protection and emergency GEDA Uganda consoled the floods victims and gave them a ray of hope that GEDA Uganda was going to start training the women in the making of re-usable sanitary pads for sustainability purposes. The training is going to target 30 women and young girls who will be given start up kits after the training to be TOTs to the rest of the women in the IDP camp.

Margret Handing over the sanitary pads to the women in Kanyangeya.

The women in the Kanyangeya IDP showed their appreciation to GEDA Uganda for the provision of sanitary pads and promised to cooperate during the trainings in the make of reusable sanitary pads.

As Gender-Environment and Development Action we continue to preach the gospel of gender equity and equality and GBV prevention and promise to continue working with different stakeholders to combat gender based violence and Violence Against Children (VAC).

The plight of a woman in the Rwenzori region amidst covid-19 and floods

The roles of Ugandan women have been taken to be subordinate to those of men, despite the substantial economic and social responsibilities of women in Uganda’s many traditional societies. Women are taught to accede to the wishes of their fathers, brothers, husbands, and sometimes other men as well, and to demonstrate their subordination to men in most areas of public life.

Even in the 1980s, women in rural areas of Buganda were expected to kneel when speaking to a man. At the same time, however, women shouldered the primary responsibilities for childcare and subsistence cultivation, and in the twenty first century, women have made substantial contributions to cash-crop agriculture.

Much as the government and other development partners have had strides to preach and advocate for equality, there has been some adherence amidst some setbacks.

This is no difference in the Rwenzori region where women still have the sole role of kitchen work, looking after children, farming, collecting fire wood, water to mention but a few, where as their male counter parts have to sit at the nearest trading centers, produce and sometimes provide for the family.

This was witnessed during the recent catastrophe of floods that hit Kasese, Bundibugyo and Ntoroko Districts on the night of May 7th 2020 that saw several properties worth billions of money lost especially in Kasese District where about 5 main rivers burst their banks due to flooding.

Women crossing Kithakena river in Maliba running for their lives on an improvised bridge after the recently constructed one was swept away.

During a risk assessment conducted on 9th by our staff several touching stories from different affected women revealed their plight.

In Maliba sub county Kasese District it was evident that women were at the fore front of the floods fight as they were seen carrying property, firewood and other belongings.

An interview in the same place with Kabugho Sedress, 42 whose whole plantation was swept away revealed her plight. Kabugho is a widow and a mother of 7 children with only 4 still alive and she has to take care of their needs everyday as the only sole parent.

“I saw Kabugho fall in the river with firewood on her back, thank God she was saved but her firewood was swept away”, said our staff and eye witness in the field.

In Kakindo Village Maliba sub county 91 out of 120 households with a population of 1005 are affected by the floods.

Moving to Kasese municipality, it was the same story as it was in Maliba, women were seen in River Nyamwamba in Kilembe fetching firewood from the logs of trees that were pushed downstream by the floods. Just imagine that vulnerability just in case the water built afresh and found them in the river.

Women collecting firewood in Nyamwamba river.

It is evident that women still face and feel the pinch of these catastrophes compared to their male counter parts.

This has also come amidst the covid-19 lock down in Uganda where domestic violence has also increased still affecting women that have been battered.

As GEDA Uganda we have continued to engage and do referrals for GBV victims and our nutritional and kitchen gardening program has continued to bring hope to the faces of the women amidst the lockdown and now floods through the small start up kitchen gardening fund.

                                        Kabugho being interviewed by Medius our staff.

As Gender Environment and Development Action, we have continued to Promote gender equity and equality, prevent and respond to violence against women and girls; boys and men. Through Men engage as our other area of our expertise; We are looking forward to an environment and world where all people are equal and free from discrimination – in which gender justice and human rights are pro.

We are also urging the Government to include GBV as a component as they offer relief during these hard times of Covid-19 and now floods in the Rwenzori region.

 

Floods ravage Kasese-Destroy Kilembe mines Hospital and other property worth billions of money again

A repeat of the tragedy that happened in May 2013 has ravaged Kasese District and Bundibugyo Districts last night. The floods that started shortly after some rains last night started with Kilembe mines hospital loosing her buildings.

The situation turned worst when rivers Nyamwamba running from Kilembe through Kasese town, Nyamugasani in Bukonzo East of the District, Mubuku in Busongora North and other streams burst their banks and spilled water into the nearby communities with rolling stones due to the bursting rivers.

River Lamia in Bundibugyo District at the boarder of Uganda-DRC also burst its banks to destroy the neighbouring areas. Ntoroko District was also not spared.

The heavy rains in the region saw a number of rivers in the three districts burst their banks due to flooding.

In Kasese District the bursting of the above rivers has affected several parts including Kilembe, Basecamp, Parts of Nyamwamba Division-Saluti A&B, Kanyangeya, Kizungu, Kisagazi, Nyakasanga, Kyarumba in Bukonzo East, Bugoye, Karusandaara, Maliba-Kyanya In Busongora north among others.

In Bundibugyo a number of areas affected include Lamiya I,II and Central, Mulungitanwa I,II, and III, Katoke, Kisenyi, Kitumba,Busunga among others.

Residents of Kilembe in Kasese Municipality stranded after roads were blocked by the floods.

The floods come amidst the covid-19 lock down in Uganda and many other countries. This becomes a double tragedy for the people of Kasese, Bundibugyo and Ntoroko Districts.

Households in the most affected areas have remained homeless and as GEDA Uganda mothers, children and girls remaining highly vulnerable is our concern. We commit to our Gender agenda to assist in any ways possible especially the vulnerable groups. Our team is on ground to do the vulnerability assessment that will inform our next steps as quickly as possible.

Destroyed crops by floods on the slopes of Mt.Rwenzori-Kasese District

We continue to urge the Districts’ disaster preparedness committees to integrate the issue of gender in their programming during this trying moment for the region.

Houses immersed in water in Kasese town.

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