Uganda Today: Ravaging Downpour Displaces Hundreds in Teso Subregion as Floods Wreak Havoc
By Uganda Today Reporter | August 21, 2025 | www.ugandatoday.co.ug
Teso Subregion – A heavy downpour that battered parts of the Teso Subregion on Thursday has left a trail of destruction, with hundreds of residents displaced and critical infrastructure submerged. Several villages across the districts of Soroti, Bukedea, Katakwi, Amuria, and Kumi were submerged, leaving families homeless and transport paralyzed.
The torrential rains, which began in the early hours of August 21 and continued throughout the day, caused rivers and drainage channels to burst their banks, flooding homes, schools, gardens, and road networks. Among the most shocking images to emerge from the deluge was a Gateway Bus nearly completely submerged in floodwaters, halting all traffic along the Soroti–Mbale highway.
(See video footage of the floods and photo of the submerged Gateway Bus below)
Hundreds Homeless, Property Destroyed
According to the Uganda Red Cross Society, at least 380 households have been affected, with many forced to seek refuge on higher ground and in temporary shelters such as schools and churches. Crops including cassava, millet, and groundnuts have been swept away, worsening food insecurity concerns in a region already vulnerable to climate extremes.
“We were woken up by water rushing into our huts. Within minutes, everything was floating,” said Margaret Akol, a resident of Katine in Soroti District, as she salvaged a few of her children’s clothes from the mud.
District disaster management committees are currently compiling damage assessments, with preliminary reports indicating extensive damage to pit latrines, boreholes, and feeder roads.
Transport and Communication Cut Off
In Amuria and Bukedea, several roads have been rendered impassable. The submerged Gateway Bus was en route from Kampala to Moroto when it got stuck near Akoromit swamp, forcing passengers to abandon the vehicle and wade to safety with the help of locals and boda boda riders.
“We couldn’t go forward or back. Water was gushing in from all directions. It was terrifying,” recounted Peter Ocen, a passenger who filmed the incident.
Telecommunication lines and power supply in some areas have also been disrupted due to the flooding.
Calls for Urgent Humanitarian Response
Local leaders and area MPs have called for urgent intervention from the central government, citing the dire humanitarian situation and the lack of preparedness among local authorities.
“We are appealing to the Office of the Prime Minister and Ministry of Disaster Preparedness to immediately dispatch relief items such as tarpaulins, food, and water purification tablets,” said Hon. Christine Apolot, Woman MP for Kumi District.
Climate Change and Unpredictable Weather Patterns
Meteorological experts attribute the unprecedented rainfall to shifting weather patterns caused by climate change. The Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA) had earlier warned of heavier-than-usual rains in the eastern and northeastern regions during this August–October season.
Environmentalists have also pointed to poor drainage systems, unregulated farming along riverbanks, and rapid deforestation as factors exacerbating flood risks in Teso.
Government Pledges Action
In a late evening statement, the Minister for Relief and Disaster Preparedness, Hon. Hillary Onek, said the government was monitoring the situation and coordinating with local authorities to offer assistance.
“A rapid response team has been dispatched to assess the needs on the ground. We urge affected communities to remain calm as we mobilize support,” Onek said.
More Rain Forecasted
UNMA has warned that more rain is expected in the coming days, urging residents in low-lying areas to relocate temporarily and remain alert.
Uganda Today will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as emergency response efforts unfold.
📽️ Watch Video of Teso Floods Here
🖼️ View Photo: Submerged Gateway Bus in Soroti
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