Here is a complete detailed field report on the Kasese Disaster Field Exercise held on 18th

June 2025 in the Nyamwamba Catchment:

FIELD EXERCISE REPORT

Location: Nyamwamba Catchment, Kasese District
Date: 18th June 2025
Prepared by: [Insert Institution/Team Name]

1. Introduction

The Nyamwamba catchment in Kasese District has experienced recurring flash floods and
landslides, primarily due to intense rainfall, environmental degradation, sand mining, and
riverbank encroachment. These disasters have caused loss of life, destruction of infrastructure,
and displacement of communities. In response, a multi-stakeholder field exercise was conducted
on 18th June 2025 to assess disaster risk reduction measures, evaluate emergency preparedness,
and identify gaps in community resilience and river catchment management.

2. Objectives of the Field Exercise

 To assess the physical state of the Nyamwamba River and its tributaries.
 To test the effectiveness of flood early warning systems.
 To evaluate the efficiency of community evacuation procedures.
 To inspect the condition and effectiveness of structural mitigation measures such as
gabions, check-dams, and reforestation projects.
 To enhance collaboration between government agencies, humanitarian actors, and local
communities.

3. Methodology

 Field Observations at critical points along the Nyamwamba River (Masule, Namuhuga,
Kyanjuki).
  Stakeholder Interviews including district officials, community leaders, youth, and
elderly residents.
 Practical Demonstrations of evacuation drills and early warning systems.
 Inspection of existing structural interventions.
 GIS Mapping to identify sedimentation hotspots and erosion-prone areas.
 Workshops on sustainable environmental management and disaster preparedness.

4. Activities Conducted

4.1 River Channel and Bank Survey

 Sediment levels were measured using manual depth probes.

 Areas with excessive erosion and illegal sand mining were mapped.
 Notable sedimentation was found downstream near Namuhuga bridge, reducing river
flow capacity.

4.2 Evacuation Drill

 Over 300 community members participated in a mock flood evacuation.

 The assembly point was Nyakasanga Playground, a known safe zone.
 Time-to-evacuate was timed and feedback was collected.

4.3 Early Warning System Test

 Simulated alerts were broadcast via flood-alert radio towers.

 Community response was monitored—approximately 87% reacted promptly.

4.4 Infrastructure Inspection

 Gabions and check-dams in Kyanjuki were inspected for integrity.

 Bamboo reforestation sites were visited; several had been washed away due to poor
anchorage.
 Desilting activities by the DRD10 excavator were evaluated; the machine was functional
but faced delays due to fuel supply gaps.

4.5 Community Engagement Sessions

 Participants discussed alternative livelihoods to reduce sand mining dependency.

 Sessions emphasized the importance of reforestation, especially along steep riverbanks.

5. Key Findings
Here is the same content rewritten in paragraph form (removed from table format):

The river channel in the Nyamwamba catchment was found to be severely silted, with many
sections having exposed banks and signs of human encroachment. This condition has
significantly reduced the river’s capacity to contain heavy flows, increasing the risk of flooding
during rainy seasons.

Sand mining activities in the area remain largely unregulated and are being carried out too close
to the riverbanks. This practice is accelerating erosion, degrading the river ecosystem, and
contributing to instability along the banks.

Bamboo planting, aimed at stabilizing riverbanks and preventing erosion, has shown partial
success. However, some of the bamboo was uprooted during recent floods, highlighting the need
for improved planting techniques and continuous monitoring to ensure long-term effectiveness.

The early warning system, based on radio alerts, is functional in some areas, but coverage is not
yet universal. There is a pressing need to expand the system to more communities and provide
adequate training on how to respond to alerts.

The evacuation plan tested during the field exercise was generally effective, thanks to strong
community leadership. However, there is a need to improve evacuation route signage and ensure
that all households understand the procedures, especially those located in high-risk zones.

Finally, the DRD10 excavator, which is used for desilting and channel clearing, was found to be
operational and effective. Nonetheless, there were noted logistical delays, mainly related to fuel
supply and maintenance challenges, underscoring the need for a reliable support system for such
critical equipment.

Let me know if you'd like this section integrated into the full report or formatted for a formal
document.

6. Challenges Encountered

 Limited budget for widespread early warning equipment.

 Resistance by some community members to relocate from high-risk zones.
 Continued environmental degradation due to deforestation and farming near riverbanks.
 Unregulated and economically driven sand mining.
 Inadequate community knowledge on disaster preparedness, especially among youth and
new settlers.
7. Recommendations

7.1 River Management

 Intensify desilting from Rwenzori foothills to lowlands (at least 25km stretch).
 Enforce buffer zones of at least 30 meters from riverbanks to restrict human activity.
 Promote natural and engineered stabilization using gabions and trees.

7.2 Regulation and Enforcement

 Strengthen enforcement of environmental protection bylaws.

 Introduce permits and monitoring for sand mining operations.

7.3 Community Empowerment

 Scale up community sensitization programs on flood risk and preparedness.

 Encourage formation of disaster response committees in each village.

7.4 Infrastructure Development

 Expand flood early warning system coverage to all 15 most at-risk communities.
 Improve road access to evacuation centers.
 Maintain and fuel heavy-duty machinery like the DRD10 in anticipation of emergencies.

7.5 Livelihood Support

 Introduce sustainable income-generating activities (e.g., bamboo crafts, tree nurseries).

 Support community-based conservation programs through district funds and donor
support.

8. Conclusion

The field exercise held on 18th June 2025 successfully demonstrated that disaster preparedness
and early response systems in the Nyamwamba catchment are improving. However, critical gaps
remain in regulation enforcement, environmental protection, and infrastructure support. The
success of future interventions will depend on continued collaboration between government, civil
society, and community members. Long-term catchment management plans must be finalized
and implemented to protect lives, property, and ecosystems.

9. Appendices
  Appendix A: Field Exercise Route Map
 Appendix B: Photos from the Exercise
 Appendix C: List of Participants
 Appendix D: Risk Hotspot Map (GIS Output)
 Appendix E: Evaluation Feedback Summary

10. References

 Ministry of Water and Environment (2024). Nyamwamba Sub-Catchment Management

Plan.
 Uganda Red Cross Society (2023). Community-Based Flood Response Manual.
 Kasese District Disaster Risk Profile (2023).
 World Bank (2022). Strengthening Resilience in Africa's Floodplains.

If you want this report as a downloadable Word or PDF document, or want it tailored to a
specific organization (like Uganda Red Cross, Office of the Prime Minister, etc.), just let me
know!

FIELD EXERCISE REPORT

Title: Disaster Preparedness Field Exercise Report – Nyamwamba Catchment, Kasese District
Date of Exercise: 18th June 2025
Prepared by: [Insert Author/Institution Name]
Venue: Nyamwamba Catchment, Kasese District

1. Introduction

This report outlines the findings, activities, and recommendations arising from the disaster
preparedness field exercise conducted on 18th June 2025 in the Nyamwamba Catchment of
Kasese District. This exercise was a multi-stakeholder effort aimed at evaluating flood risk
mitigation interventions, testing early warning systems, and improving emergency preparedness
within communities frequently affected by floods.

The Nyamwamba catchment is prone to recurrent flooding, with significant flood events
recorded annually since 2013. These floods, driven by heavy rainfall from the Rwenzori
Mountains, land degradation, and human encroachment, have led to extensive displacement,
destruction of property, and loss of lives.
2. Objectives of the Field Exercise

 Assess the condition of the river channels and flood-prone infrastructure.

 Evaluate the functionality and coverage of early warning systems.
 Test the effectiveness of community evacuation protocols.
 Engage with communities to raise awareness on disaster risk reduction.
 Inspect ongoing and completed flood mitigation interventions.

3. Background of Flood Occurrence in Kasese

Flooding is the most persistent hazard in Kasese District, affecting areas such as Kilembe,
Kamulikwizi, Karusandara, and Ibanda-Kyanya. Since 2013, floods have occurred with varying
return periods, causing loss of life, damage to homes and roads, destruction of social services,
and increased poverty.

According to a presentation by Mr. Isingoma Joseph, disaster risk has been aggravated by steep
terrain, unregulated land use, deforestation, and insufficient early warning infrastructure. IDP
camps such as Muhokya have hosted displaced households. National and international partners,
including ECHO, Uganda Red Cross Society, Save the Children, and UNICEF, have supported
Kasese District in managing the crisis through emergency response and preparedness
interventions.

4. Activities Conducted During the Field Exercise

 River Channel and Bank Survey: Assessment revealed severe sedimentation, erosion,
and bank degradation, particularly near Namuhuga and Masule.
 Sand Mining Monitoring: Several sites were found operating within 30 meters of the
riverbank, contributing to instability.
 Inspection of Bamboo Planting Projects: Many bamboo stands were uprooted by
recent floods due to poor anchoring and site selection.
 Early Warning System Test: Community radios and hydro sensors were tested;
response rate to alerts was approximately 87%.
 Evacuation Drill: Over 300 people participated in an evacuation drill to Nyakasanga
Playground. Coordination was led by DDMC, UPDF, and Red Cross.
 Community Engagement: Workshops were held on sustainable land use, catchment
protection, and disaster response.
 Machinery Demonstration: DRD10 excavator desilting activity was monitored, though
logistic challenges were noted.

5. Findings and Analysis

The river channel in the Nyamwamba catchment was found to be severely silted, with many
sections having exposed banks and signs of human encroachment. This condition has
significantly reduced the river’s capacity to contain heavy flows, increasing the risk of flooding
during rainy seasons.

Sand mining activities remain largely unregulated and are being carried out too close to the
riverbanks. This practice is accelerating erosion, degrading the river ecosystem, and contributing
to instability along the banks.

Bamboo planting, aimed at stabilizing riverbanks and preventing erosion, has shown partial
success. However, some of the bamboo was uprooted during recent floods, highlighting the need
for improved planting techniques and continuous monitoring.

The early warning system, based on radio alerts, is functional in some areas, but coverage is not
yet universal. There is a pressing need to expand the system to more communities and provide
adequate training on how to respond to alerts.

The evacuation plan tested during the field exercise was generally effective, thanks to strong
community leadership. However, there is a need to improve evacuation route signage and ensure
that all households understand the procedures.

Finally, the DRD10 excavator, used for desilting and channel clearing, was found to be
operational and effective. Nonetheless, there were noted logistical delays, mainly related to fuel
supply and maintenance challenges, underscoring the need for a reliable support system.

6. Emergency Preparedness & Response Interventions

 Installation of hydro sensors and community radios in key flood zones

 Validation of the District Multi-Hazard Contingency Plan
 Capacity building for DDMC and VDMC members
 Construction of temporary bridges and desilting of blocked channels
 WASH interventions including borehole repairs, latrine construction, and hygiene
promotion
 Child protection and psychosocial support initiatives in IDP camps
 Orientation on disability inclusion in disaster response (with NUDIPU)

7. Challenges and Gaps Identified

 Limited coverage of early warning systems

 Lack of emergency rescue transport and disaster response equipment
 Insufficient data systems and real-time reporting tools
 Weak functionality of local disaster coordination committees
  Porous borders with DRC leading to pressure on local resources
 Lack of gender-sensitive WASH facilities in IDP camps

8. Recommendations

 Scale up desilting operations across 25 km of the catchment

 Strengthen bamboo and tree planting using engineered anchorage techniques
 Enforce regulation of sand mining with designated zones and licenses
 Expand early warning systems and integrate with mobile alerts
 Improve logistics for emergency machinery and rescue teams
 Increase budget allocation for local DRR committees and data systems
 Establish dedicated disaster management fund and warehouse

9. Conclusion

The field exercise confirmed both the severity of flood risk in the Nyamwamba catchment and
the growing capacity of Kasese District to respond through coordinated efforts. Continued
investment in early warning systems, ecosystem restoration, infrastructure maintenance, and
inclusive disaster management will be essential to reduce future risks and build resilience.

Appendices

 Map of Nyamwamba Catchment Area

 Photos from Field Exercise
 List of Participants
 Evacuation Drill Report
 Equipment Performance Summary

Thanks. I’ll draft a professional field exercise report based on the events and data highlighted in
the Kasese District disaster preparedness presentation, ensuring it reflects the qualities of a good
report such as clarity, structure, accuracy, and actionable recommendations.

I’ll share the report shortly for your review.

Kasese District Disaster Preparedness Field

Exercise Report
Date: 20 June 2025
Introduction
Kasese District (western Uganda) is highly vulnerable to multiple hazards, especially recurrent
riverine flooding and landslides. In recent years these floods have occurred almost every rainy
season, causing widespread displacement and damage. This report summarizes a multi-
stakeholder field exercise designed to test and strengthen local flood response. The exercise
brought together district authorities, village disaster committees, NGOs and partners to simulate
river flood scenarios and evaluate early warning, evacuation and relief systems in the district. Its
purpose was to assess current readiness and identify areas for improvement in Kasese’s
emergency preparedness.

Methodology/Approach
The field exercise was coordinated by the Kasese District Disaster Management Committee
(DDMC) with support from humanitarian partners. Funding and technical support came from the
EU (ECHO) through the Uganda Red Cross, along with Save the Children, UNICEF, NUDIPU
and others. The approach combined realistic drills and training sessions: a simulated heavy-rain
flood scenario was enacted in selected villages, incorporating newly installed river sensors and
alarm systems to demonstrate early warning. Concurrently, community mapping workshops and
evacuation drills were held by Village Disaster Management Committees. District and sub-
county leaders received capacity-building trainings (e.g. on contingency planning, emergency
WASH and forecast-based financing) to mirror operational procedures. Data collection (river
level readings, camp registrations) and after-action discussions were used to evaluate
performance. All activities emphasized participatory learning, using existing committees at
district and village levels.

Key Activities and Observations

 Flood Simulation & Early Warning: A full-scale river flood simulation (conducted
with NUWODU’s assistance) tested community response and rescue protocols. During
the drill, newly installed hydro-meteorological sensors on the Nyamwamba and Mubuku
Rivers were activated to provide real-time water-level data. These triggered local sirens
and radio alerts, simulating an early warning system for downstream communities.
Uganda Red Cross volunteers and district officials guided villagers in interpreting the
warnings, ensuring households recognized the need to evacuate promptly.
 Community Mapping & Evacuation Drills: In 16 high-risk villages, local committees
led participatory mapping of flood-prone areas and safe evacuation routes. Residents
identified low-lying zones and marked multiple paths to nearby hills and transit centers.
Practical evacuation drills were carried out: families practiced moving along these routes
to designated holding areas. The exercise confirmed existing evacuation/holding centers
(e.g. 4 in Kitholhu, 3 in Karusandara, 2 in Kilembe) and revealed opportunities to
improve signage and route markers. Observers noted that clear communication (via
radios and community leaders) was critical in these drills.
 Capacity Building Trainings: The exercise included several targeted trainings for
district and community teams. DDMC members and partners attended workshops on
 emergency WASH (including water quality testing and hygiene promotion) and on
forecast-based financing with cash-voucher distribution. Sub-county disaster teams were
trained in rapid disease surveillance in camps and in incident data collection. Importantly,
a new collaboration with the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU)
led to orientation sessions on disability-inclusive disaster response. These sessions
covered gender and disability mainstreaming, and disaggregating data by vulnerability.
By the end of the exercise, DDMC officials reported stronger coordination skills and
clearer role definitions for emergency response.
 Technological & Material Interventions: The drill showcased key infrastructure
installations. Terrestrial hydro-sensors along the Nyamwamba and Mubuku rivers –
installed by Save the Children – were demonstrated to provide automated data and alerts.
Community radio stations (in sub-county HQs of Karusandara, Maliba, Kyarumba,
Nyakiyumbu and Kilembe) were inaugurated to ensure flood warnings and coordination
messages reach remote areas. In parallel, logistical preparations were reviewed: 200
reusable household shelter kits (tents and materials) were pre-positioned at the regional
Fort Portal warehouse for rapid deployment. During the exercise, relief items (including
WASH kits and tents) were distributed to vulnerable groups – for example, asylum-
seeker families at Bwera center received supplies, and 170 household kits were given to
Sept 2022 mudslide victims.
 Stakeholder Support and Involvement: A wide array of partners contributed resources
and expertise. The EU’s ECHO programme (via Red Cross) funded the district
contingency plan and capacity-building. Save the Children installed early-warning
equipment and led community education (including child protection outreach). UNICEF
provided vital WASH relief (water tanks, hygiene kits) and rehabilitated boreholes; it
also helped set up transit shelters for flood-affected families. Notably, NUDIPU
formalized its role through a memorandum of understanding with the district: it trained
leaders on disability-inclusive DRR and helped integrate inclusion checklists into
planning. Throughout the exercise, trained Red Cross volunteers aided information
dissemination – they conducted radio talk shows and door-to-door alerts to ensure
households understood the warnings.

Results and Outcomes

 Enhanced Early Warning & Supplies: The new sensor-radio network is operational,
giving the district continuous monitoring of river levels. Community members
demonstrated improved understanding of alert signals. The exercise also secured tangible
assets: 200 shelter kits are ready for immediate use, and emergency water/sanitation
supplies have been delivered to at-risk IDP camps. These measures significantly bolster
Kasese’s material readiness.
 Capacity and Planning Gains: Training and drills measurably improved local response
capacity. According to the post-exercise assessment, district and village teams have
stronger coordination and rescue skills. The District Inclusive Multi-Hazard Contingency
Plan (2022/23–2024/25) was finalized and validated as part of the exercise. Participants
also noted that they are applying lessons learned from peer districts (e.g. Isingiro) to
refine their plans.
  Community Preparedness: Sixteen Village DRR Committees are now actively engaged
in flood response planning. Multiple evacuation centers have been confirmed and
equipped (4 in Kitholhu, 3 in Karusandara, 2 in Kilembe). DRR clubs in schools and the
new community radio broadcasts mean that early warning messages now reach a broader
audience. Overall, the community-level readiness for floods has noticeably improved.
 Partnership Continuity: The exercise strengthened ongoing collaborations. ECHO and
Red Cross have plans to extend the interventions, including installing additional river
sensors and radios and training more communities on using early-warning data. IOM will
support further training in camp coordination. These planned activities build on the
exercise’s momentum, aiming to sustain and expand the improvements achieved.

Challenges and Gaps Identified

 Logistics and Equipment Shortfalls: The exercise highlighted a lack of dedicated
transport and equipment for emergencies. Kasese has no full-time rescue vehicle, and
essential gadgets (portable radios, tablets, drones for assessment) are in short supply. This
limits the speed of evacuation and information flow during disasters.
 WASH and Shelter Deficiencies: Emergency camps still lack adequate infrastructure.
Temporary transit sites (e.g. Muhokya) have insufficient gender-segregated latrines and
bathing shelters. Current relief stockpiles (tents, water containers) are not enough to
cover large-scale displacement, indicating a need to pre-position more supplies.
 Funding and Coordination Weaknesses: Financial constraints were evident. The
district’s DRR plans are underfunded, and no dedicated emergency response fund exists
to cover urgent needs. Coordination committees at sub-county and village levels are still
being formed – only about 15 out of 41 local councils have contingency training. This
patchy coordination can slow down multisectoral response.
 Communication and Data Gaps: Effective communication remains a challenge.
Cultural beliefs and limited telecom coverage can hinder risk messaging and evacuation
instructions. The district currently lacks a comprehensive disaster communication
strategy. Moreover, data gaps (outdated or missing hazard exposure data) make evidence-
based planning difficult. Improving real-time information management is needed.

Conclusions and Recommendations

The field exercise demonstrated that Kasese has a solid foundation of local committees and
committed partners, but also revealed critical needs. To strengthen future preparedness, the
following actions are recommended:

 Mobilize Resources: Acquire a dedicated emergency response vehicle and procure

communication/alert equipment (e.g. sirens, satellite radios, drones) for the DDMC. This
will enable rapid assessment and information flow during disasters.
 Expand Early Warning Infrastructure: Scale up the river sensor network and
community radio coverage in remaining high-risk sub-counties. Work with agencies
(ECHO/Red Cross) to train communities on using and maintaining these systems.
  Upgrade Camp Facilities: Invest in building adequate semi-permanent WASH facilities
(latrines, bathrooms) at transit/IDP centers. Pre-position additional relief stockpiles
(shelter kits, water tanks, hygiene kits) based on projected flood scenarios.
 Financial & Information Preparedness: Establish a dedicated district disaster fund to
finance urgent relief and response needs. Develop and implement a disaster
communication strategy (leveraging radio, SMS alerts and community networks) to
ensure timely, accurate warnings.
 Strengthen Coordination and Inclusion: Complete the formation of DRR committees
at sub-county and village levels and train the remaining local councils in contingency
planning. Continue inclusive approaches by integrating disability and gender
considerations into all planning (following NUDIPU’s guidance).
 Community Engagement: Institutionalize regular community drills and public-
awareness campaigns. Use school DRR clubs, local radios and religious or civic leaders
to educate residents about flood risks and counteract myths. Sustained engagement will
reinforce the gains from this exercise.

Implementing these recommendations will enhance Kasese’s preparedness for future floods and
related emergencies. The combined efforts of government, communities and partners – guided by
the insights from this exercise – can build a more resilient district response system.

Annex
(No annex material provided. Detailed logs and contact lists are on record by the Kasese
DDMC.)

Sources: Kasese District Local Government presentations and reports by J. Isingoma/Singoma

(2023–2024), summarizing activities supported by ECHO, Red Cross, UNICEF, Save the
Children, NUDIPU, and others.

Certainly! Below is your detailed and updated report on the Disaster Management Field
Exercise in the Nyamwamba Catchment Area – now including a background on the
occurrence of floods in Kasese since 1989, while maintaining the structured format and content
from the presentation.

REPORT ON DISASTER MANAGEMENT FIELD EXERCISE IN THE

NYAMWAMBA CATCHMENT AREA, KASESE DISTRICT

1. Introduction

This report outlines the observations, activities, and lessons drawn from the disaster management
field exercise carried out in the Nyamwamba Catchment Area, Kasese District. The field visit
was part of a broader initiative to strengthen cadet capacity in disaster risk reduction (DRR)
through real-time community interaction and institutional collaboration. The visit was held at
Verina Gardens and featured key presentations from the Kasese District Disaster Management
Committees (DDMC).

2. Objectives of the Exercise

The core objectives of the exercise were to:

 Understand the history, trends, and causes of disasters—especially floods—in the

Nyamwamba Catchment Area.
 Explore the institutional framework governing disaster preparedness and response in
Kasese District.
 Participate in hazard mapping, vulnerability assessments, and emergency response
simulations.
 Strengthen civil-military collaboration in disaster risk reduction.
 Promote awareness on early warning systems, community preparedness, and
environmental sustainability.

3. Background: History of Floods in Kasese District (Since 1989)

Kasese District has a long-standing history of devastating floods, particularly along the River
Nyamwamba and its tributaries. These floods have been triggered by a combination of
environmental degradation, increased rainfall, and siltation in river channels originating from the
Rwenzori Mountains.

 1989: Marked the first major recorded flood event in Kasese, destroying homes, roads,
and bridges in Kilembe and surrounding areas.
 2007–2011: A series of annual flash floods caused displacement of over 5,000 residents
in Bulembia and Nyamwamba divisions.
 2013: One of the most devastating floods washed away the Kilembe Mines Hospital
infrastructure and buried parts of the township under mud and rock debris.
 2015: Another flood event damaged schools, farmlands, and public infrastructure;
significant humanitarian response was required.
 May 2020: River Nyamwamba burst its banks again, affecting over 120,000 people,
destroying key roads (e.g., Kilembe–Kasese road), and displacing families across
Nyamwamba, Bulembia, and Karusandara.
 2021–2023: Recurring seasonal floods worsened by ongoing environmental degradation
and lack of comprehensive resettlement of vulnerable households.

These repeated floods highlight the urgency of effective disaster preparedness, especially in
environmentally sensitive highland catchment areas like Nyamwamba.
4. Activities Undertaken

a) Institutional Presentations
Kasese DDMC representatives presented the district’s disaster governance model, rooted in the
National Disaster Preparedness and Management Policy (2010), and operationalized through
the following structures:

 District Disaster Policy Committee (DDPC)

 District Disaster Management Technical Committee (DDMTC)
 District Emergency Coordination and Operations Centre (DECOC)
 Sub-County and Village Disaster Management Committees (SDMCs and VDMCs)

b) Field Assessments

 Site visits were conducted along the River Nyamwamba floodplain and surrounding sub-
counties such as Bulembia, Kilembe, and Karusandara.
 Participants identified erosion hotspots, damaged infrastructure, and vulnerable
settlements.

c) Emergency Simulation Drills

 Emergency response simulations were executed involving:

o Alert dissemination and early warning
o Evacuation drills
o First aid and triage scenarios
o Multi-agency coordination involving police, UPDF, and Red Cross

d) Community Engagement Sessions

 Cadets met with village committee members and local leaders to assess risk awareness
and document indigenous knowledge on coping with disasters.
 VDMCs demonstrated early warning collection, local hazard history, and contingency
plans.

e) Policy and Plan Reviews

 Participants reviewed the Kasese District Integrated Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Plan (2020–2025) and the District Contingency Plan, which guide multi-
level emergency coordination, response logistics, and humanitarian relief strategies.

5. Observations and Findings

  Institutional disaster frameworks exist but need strengthening, especially at the grassroots
level.
 Limited capacity for early warning, particularly in remote and mountainous areas.
 Environmental degradation (deforestation, poor land use) remains a key driver of
recurring floods.
 Communication and logistical gaps hinder timely response during flood emergencies.
 Community involvement in preparedness is growing, but resources are limited.

6. Lessons Learned

 Preparedness starts at community level—village disaster committees are vital in early

warning and first-line response.
 Civil-military coordination boosts capacity, especially in remote or terrain-challenged
operations.
 Institutional roles must be backed by action, including equipment, data systems, and
trained personnel.
 Environmental restoration (e.g., afforestation, riverbank protection) is a sustainable
long-term flood mitigation measure.
 Disaster drills enhance readiness and expose logistical or communication weaknesses
for future improvement.

7. Challenges Encountered

 Steep terrain and washed-out roads limited movement to some flood-prone sites.
 Some sub-counties still lack operational disaster committees.
 Lack of mobile communication and alert systems in certain villages.
 Climate unpredictability affected scheduling of field activities.

8. Conclusion

The disaster management field exercise in the Nyamwamba Catchment Area demonstrated the
vital need for preparedness, inter-agency collaboration, and community resilience. The historical
pattern of floods since 1989 shows that disaster risk in Kasese is not episodic but systemic. The
institutional frameworks, when fully implemented and supported, can help safeguard lives,
property, and development investments.

9. Recommendations
  Strengthen early warning systems using digital tools and community radios.
 Expand the coverage of Sub-County and Village Disaster Committees, prioritizing
the most at-risk locations.
 Equip DECOC with reliable 24/7 operational capacity, including standby emergency
supplies and transport.
 Mainstream disaster preparedness into local government budgeting and planning
cycles.
 Scale up environmental protection—restore wetlands, reforest buffer zones, and
regulate mining in the Rwenzori slopes.
 Institutionalize monthly multi-stakeholder drills and simulations, including civilian,
military, and humanitarian actors.

Prepared by:
[Your Name]
Cadet, Uganda Military Academy – Kabamba
Date: [Insert Date]

FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY

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