AfDB approves $500,000 grant to support Uganda’s flood and landslide response

Severe floods and landslides in Uganda have prompted a swift humanitarian response from the African Development Bank (AfDB). The Bank’s Board of Directors has approved a $500,000 grant from its Special Relief Fund to support the country’s Relief Emergency Response Project, aimed at helping communities recover from recent natural disasters.

The grant will provide urgent assistance to areas severely affected by the August floods and landslides in Bulambuli, Kasese and Ntoroko districts. It includes the distribution of family-size tents for an estimated 1,500 internally displaced persons (IDPs), improving conditions in temporary camps where thousands have sought refuge.

Heavy rains triggered widespread damage

From August 17 to 19, 2025, torrential rains in the Mount Elgon subregion caused devastating floods in the mountainous Bulambuli, Sironko and Mbale districts, as well as landslides in neighboring Namisindwa. Authorities reported five deaths, 50 injuries and damage to around 2,000 homes, displacing 5,000 people and affecting a total of 15,000.

These events are part of a wider pattern of extreme weather across Uganda’s Rwenzori and Elgon regions, where infrastructure damage and livelihood disruptions have become more frequent.

Grant aims to boost recovery and resilience

Mercuria Assefaw, Division Manager for Water Security and Sanitation at the Bank Group, said the project goes beyond immediate relief. “Providing decent temporary housing will not only address a priority shelter need and improve living conditions for displaced families, it will also stimulate the local economy through procurement and logistics,” she said.

The Office of the Prime Minister of Uganda, through the Department of Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Management, will oversee implementation. The project prioritizes rapid procurement and efficient delivery to create opportunities for local suppliers and service providers, accelerating community recovery. All activities are set to be completed within six months.

“This grant reflects the Bank’s solidarity with Uganda,” Assefaw added. “By providing immediate relief, we aim to restore hope and stability as communities continue their journey of recovery.”