By Luganda David Nsiyonna- NECJOGHA – Kween & Bukwo, Uganda – October 30, 2025
As of October 30, 2025, at least nine people have been confirmed dead following devastating mudslides triggered by heavy overnight rains in Uganda’s Sebei sub-region. The disaster struck communities in Kween and Bukwo districts, leaving widespread destruction, displacement, and grief.
According to Irene Nakasiita, Director of Communications at Uganda Red Cross, a mudslide in Chesower, Bukwo District claimed the lives of three children from the same family. Nakasiita stated that Uganda Red Cross volunteers are on the ground conducting assessments, and a more detailed report will be shared as soon as possible. Access to Bukwo remains difficult as the road has been cut off due to continued rains and poor road conditions.
In a related incident, six people lost their lives in Yatui, Kween District, after another mudslide struck the area last night. The victims include members of a single household, and the destruction has displaced dozens more.
Photos from the scene, taken by Red Cross volunteers, show the scale of devastation. Neighboring sub-counties such as Kwosir, Benet, and Kaseko have also been affected, with widespread damage to homes and infrastructure.
We lost three children from one family in Chesower. Our volunteers are on the ground conducting assessments.” — Irene Nakasiita, Uganda Red Cross
These young faces represent lives cut short by the mudslide that struck Chesower. Their memory will live on in the hearts of their community.
Uganda Red Cross teams are working closely with local authorities and community members to support ongoing response efforts. Emergency assessments are underway, and humanitarian support is being mobilized to assist displaced families.
A comprehensive assessment of the damage and needs will be conducted and shared in due course.
This tragedy underscores the urgent need for anticipatory action (AA) a proactive approach to disaster preparedness that emphasizes acting before hazards strike.
According to the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Anticipatory Action Roadmap, governments and humanitarian agencies must invest in early warning systems, community preparedness, and pre-positioned resources to reduce the impact of predictable climate-related disasters.
Acting ahead of time can save lives, protect livelihoods, and reduce the cost of emergency response. The roadmap calls for coordinated regional efforts to embed anticipatory action into national disaster risk management frameworks.
