9 October 2009
A Tearfund partner is helping recovery work in rural Uganda after flash flooding killed at least six people.
The Diocese of Kigezi has sent an emergency team to the residents of Kyokyezo-Bwindi following heavy rains which led to a deadly deluge.
The flooding wrecked homes, agricultural land and badly damaged classrooms, offices and the library at the village primary school. Livestock has also been killed and crops have been ruined
As well as its spiritual ministry, the Diocese of Kigezi undertakes development projects and has recently featured in Tearfund’s Make life flow campaign for its work to improve water and sanitation facilities in poor communities.
It has now launched an appeal within the diocese to provide relief aid for those hardest hit by the flooding.
Mourning
The team sent by the Bishop of Kigezi, the Rt Rev George Katwesigye, will be looking at what practical help can be provided as well as offering spiritual comfort at this time of grieving.
The Bishop said, ‘We are asking for our mission partners to pray for and with us during this difficult time. Our Lord Jesus Christ encourages us to mourn with those who are mourning.’
While Kigezi deals with the aftermath of the flooding, north-east Uganda is facing drought conditions which are exposing more than a million people to hunger.
Such occurrences are becoming increasingly common due to the impact of climate change. Tearfund has been organising training to help the diocese understand the impact of climate change on their project work.