Floods destroy homes, locals count losses in Adyel Kasubi

24 November 2025, 10:21

By Ambrose Okwanga

Residents of Adyel Kasubi Cell in Lira City West Division are counting heavy losses after floods devastated their homes.

The flooding is reportedly caused by blocked drainage channels, allegedly due to a prominent Lira-based businessman. The drainage channel has existed for over 40 years.

Residents say their ordeal began when Benedict Ocen, a well-known businessman and fellow resident, built a perimeter wall that obstructed the waterway, leading to flooding across more than 40 homesteads.

Pamela Oribi, a widow, described the devastation. “I have lived here for over 20 years and have never experienced such flooding. Whenever it rained, the water flowed through its usual channel. But now, because of the blockage, the water is flooding our compound. All my houses are leaking, and one has already been destroyed, leaving me with only one remaining,” she said.

Oribi added that she now has no option but to rent another house for herself and her grandchildren. She is appealing to the Lira City Authority for assistance, warning that if the rainy season continues, she risks losing everything.

Oribi is not alone. Dickens Bua, youth leader at Adyel Yahweh Pentecostal Mission headquarters, said the blocked drainage has severely affected their church.

“Whenever it rains, our church premises flood, and water flows through the building. This has raised fears that the church could collapse at any time,” Bua said.

He added that the church leadership has made several attempts to engage Benedict Ocen, urging him to open the drainage channel, but he has refused to comply. They also approached the Lira City Authority, but have received no meaningful response.

The church had plans to fence its premises, which they believe is the only way to protect the building, but the City Authority blocked the plan. “The City Council initially permitted us to fence the church, but later reversed its decision, saying it could have negative effects on the community. This is a clear sign of collusion between the City Council and the businessman,” Bua added. More than 1,500 Christians worship at Adyel Yahweh Pentecostal Mission headquarters.

Moses Ocen Okeny, the defence secretary for Local Council One of Adyel Kasubi, said six houses have been destroyed by the flooding, with more than 40 homesteads affected. He added that many houses may still collapse, as most are leaking from their floors.

Ocen said his own home has not been spared. “If the rain continues, I may have to relocate. My compound is full of water, and there is nowhere for my children to play. We are worried they might contract diseases, as most of the toilets in this area are overflowing due to the flooding,” he said.

He stressed that local leaders have repeatedly asked the developer to clear the waterway, but he has completely ignored their requests.

Response from the Authority

Speaking to our reporter in his office, Vincent Okurut, the Town Clerk of Lira City, said that upon receiving complaints about the flooding, he dispatched a team from the Lira City Planning Department to assess the situation and propose a solution.

The team returned with two options: diverting the drainage channel or engaging the developer in a meeting. A day later, Okurut told our reporter that they had approached Benedict Ocen about the issue, but he refused to open the waterway, claiming that he holds a valid land title.

“As a city, we shall consider what can be done for the affected residents, but we are hoping for the diversion of the drainage channel to protect the community,” Okurut stressed.

He added that this is not the only concern, noting that several areas within the city are affected by flooding due to heavy rainfall.

Lira City, through its Environment Department, has begun evicting people engaged in farming and settlement activities within the wetlands. The initiative aims to restore the wetlands and protect the ecosystem as part of efforts to combat climate change.