Wildfire Devastates Kalukalet Village in Moroto District.
A raging wildfire swept through Kalukalet village in Rupa subcounty, Moroto District, leaving a trail of destruction and despair in its wake. The blaze, which is believed to have been sparked by hunting communities, destroyed several homes and left many families without shelter.
“This is not the first time we are experiencing wildfires in our area,” said Lokiru Benedicto, a resident of Kalukalet village. “The dry season is always a challenging time for us, and the wildfires make it even harder.”
According to Nangiro Cicilia, the Community Development Officer(CDO),Rupa subcounty, the wildfires are a common occurrence in the area during the dry season. “The communities here have a tradition of setting fires to hunt wild animals, but sometimes these fires get out of control and cause destruction,” she explained.
Richard Omoding, the Executive Director of Riamiriam Civil Society Network-Karamoja, condemned the practice of setting fires for hunting. “This practice is not only destructive but also harmful to the environment and the communities themselves,” he said. “We need to find alternative and sustainable ways of hunting and managing our natural resources.”
In response to the disaster, Bank of Uganda in partnership with Riamiriam Civil Society Network-Karamoja has provided relief support to the affected families. “We have received relief items from the Bank of Uganda, including posho, beans, clothes, and other essential items, which we are distributing to the families who lost their homes,” said Omoding. “We appreciate the support from the Bank of Uganda and are committed to supporting the affected communities until they are able to recover and rebuild their lives.”
The incident has highlighted the need for sustainable land management practices and alternative livelihoods for the communities in Karamoja. As the region continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, it is essential that stakeholders work together to find solutions that balance human needs with environmental conservation.
