ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, October 3, 2025 – The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved a $500,000 grant to support the Uganda emergency flood response, offering immediate relief to communities devastated by recent floods and landslides in the eastern and western regions of the country.
The grant, sourced from the Bank’s Special Relief Fund, underscores its commitment to humanitarian assistance in times of climate-induced crises.
The Uganda emergency flood response initiative will provide urgent assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Bulambuli, Kasese, and Ntoroko districts.
The package includes family-size tents to shelter approximately 1,500 displaced individuals, with the broader aim of improving living conditions in temporary camps.
Thousands of residents in these areas have been forced from their homes following heavy rains and devastating landslides that swept across the Mount Elgon and Rwenzori regions in mid-August 2025.
From August 17 to 19, intense rainfall in the Mount Elgon subregion triggered widespread flooding in Bulambuli, Sironko, and Mbale districts, while landslides struck Namisindwa district.
Official reports confirmed five fatalities, at least 50 injuries, the destruction of 2,000 homes, and the displacement of more than 5,000 people.
Overall, an estimated 15,000 individuals were affected by this disaster, further straining already vulnerable communities.
Restoring dignity and safety
According to Mercuria Assefaw, Division Manager for Water Security and Sanitation at the AfDB, the Uganda emergency flood response is more than just a relief effort.
“Beyond emergency relief, the project is an investment in dignity, safety, and recovery.
Providing decent temporary housing will not only address an urgent shelter need but also stimulate the local economy through procurement and logistics,” Assefaw said.
She emphasized that the Bank’s intervention aims to restore stability in disaster-hit areas while empowering local suppliers and service providers engaged in delivering goods and services under the program.
Implementation through local structures
The project will be managed by the Office of the Prime Minister of Uganda, specifically through the Department of Relief, Disaster Preparedness, and Management.
Authorities have pledged to prioritize swift procurement processes and efficient distribution to ensure relief reaches those most in need within the shortest timeframe.
With activities scheduled for completion in six months, officials are confident that the Uganda emergency flood response will provide timely relief for displaced households while contributing to long-term resilience-building in affected districts.
Strengthening community resilience
Extreme weather events are becoming increasingly frequent in Uganda, with floods and landslides repeatedly displacing families, destroying infrastructure, and disrupting livelihoods.
The Bank noted that disasters in the Rwenzori and Elgon regions continue to pose significant humanitarian and economic challenges.
Through this $500,000 grant, the AfDB seeks to complement national disaster management efforts, reinforcing Uganda’s capacity to respond quickly and effectively.
Assefaw added: “This grant reflects the Bank’s solidarity with Uganda. By providing immediate relief, we aim to restore hope and stability as communities continue their journey of recovery.”
Broader economic and social impact
Beyond addressing urgent shelter needs, the relief package is expected to have a ripple effect on local economies.
By involving Ugandan suppliers in the procurement and delivery process, the project will support small businesses and generate short-term employment opportunities in logistics and construction-related services.
Humanitarian actors believe that while the Uganda emergency flood response is essential in the short term, sustained investment in disaster preparedness, infrastructure resilience, and climate adaptation will be crucial for long-term stability.
The AfDB, in its broader strategy, continues to prioritize resilience-building in member countries vulnerable to climate shocks.
This includes supporting infrastructure upgrades, financing renewable energy projects, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events.
A call for collaboration
The Bank emphasized that the scale of challenges posed by climate-related disasters requires stronger collaboration between governments, development partners, and local communities.
The Uganda emergency flood response demonstrates how timely international support can save lives, preserve dignity, and lay the foundation for recovery.
With Uganda grappling with repeated cycles of flooding and landslides, the AfDB reiterated its readiness to continue working closely with national authorities and partners to build a more resilient future for vulnerable communities.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Media Contact:
Christin Roby
Communication and External Relations Department
Email: [email protected]
SOURCE: African Development Bank Group (AfDB)
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