Oxfam Ireland Core Country: Uganda

Oct 2007: Oxfam Flood Response Uganda

Sironko/Eastern Uganda: One month into the floods in central and eastern Uganda, receding water-levels reveal the scale of the destruction that has occurred.

Up to 300,000 people have been affected, with floods destroying houses, belongings and crops. Food prices have soared, fear of cholera is rising as water sources have been contaminated and the risk of animal epidemics has increased.

Oxfam is helping approximately 15,000 affected individuals by working in two districts in eastern Uganda which are not covered by other agencies, and two further districts in the worst affected Teso region.

Oxfam is ensuring access to safe water and sanitation and has distributed jerry-cans, blankets, sanitary materials and cooking utensils to help flood victims with their most immediate needs. However, the number of people in need of assistance in the medium term may be far higher than expected.

900 households who have lost their belongings to the floods are queuing at an Oxfam distribution in Sironko district.

Non Food Items (NFIs) distributed to each household include two tarpaulins, two jerry-cans to fetch water, blankets, sanitary materials, and cooking utensils.

Accountability is ensured by a local partner organisation trained in distribution. Local staff control beneficiary cards and ensure that every household signs for items.

An Oxfam beneficiary picks up his NFI pack at the distribution site.

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