(ELEGU, AMURU DISTRICT) – Severe flooding at the Elegu border town between Uganda and South Sudan has displaced thousands of people and worsened a cholera outbreak, raising alarm among traders, local residents and health officials.
The flooding, which submerged major parts of the town on Wednesday last week, forced the closure of all businesses, including the border market and police station. Elegu, located along the busy Gulu-Nimule highway and a key trade corridor with South Sudan, experiences recurrent floods whenever the Unyama River bursts its banks. The river flows from Omoro District through Pader and Amuru before draining into the Blue Nile near Nimule in South Sudan.
Many local residents and business owners have taken refuge on higher ground, including the highway and multistorey buildings, as water levels remain dangerously high. Among the most affected were market vendors and cross-border traders who were caught off guard in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Kassim Kule, a local leader in Lorikwor West, confirmed that sanitation has become a critical issue, with many toilets submerged and human waste spreading through the floodwaters.
“Hygiene and sanitation are the biggest problems. We are still battling an outbreak of cholera, and this situation only worsens it,” he said.
According to health officials, at least five people have died from cholera in the last month, with over 200 reported infections. Most patients are being treated at Bibia Health Centre, near the Elegu border.
Margaret Auma, the chairperson of the Elegu Women Cross Border Traders Cooperative Society, said the flooding came without warning.
“Usually we hear the river roaring before the water comes, but this time, there was no sign. People lost their goods because there was no time to relocate,” she said.
Local authorities estimate that over 2,000 people have been displaced. Elegu Town Clerk Mathias Kisembo said the district disaster committee had been notified to take immediate action.
To address the recurring floods, Trademark Africa (TMA), through its Uganda and South Sudan offices, announced in May that it had mobilised $11.1 million (approx. UGX 39.6 billion or SSP 51.06 billion) for the construction of a climate smart market at the Elegu border. The funds come from a partnership between TMA, the Danish Embassy in Uganda, and the European Union Delegation.
According to TMA Country Director Anna Nambooze, $3 million (UGX 10.7 billion or SSP 13.8 billion) has been allocated specifically for flood mitigation measures on a 12 acre market site. These include channelling systems and other drainage infrastructure designed to keep the market operational even during heavy rains.
“The Elegu market is crucial for regional trade, especially with South Sudan. We want to ensure that trade can continue regardless of weather conditions,” Nambooze said during the official project handover in Gulu City on May 28.
She added that once completed, the new cross-border market would accommodate around 1,200 traders and include facilities for storing grains, vegetables, and bulk goods.
Financial Allocations for Elegu Market Project
| Component | Amount (USD) | Amount (UGX) | Amount (SSP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Project Cost | $11.1 million | UGX 39.6 billion | SSP 51.06 billion |
| Flood Mitigation Allocation | $3 million | UGX 10.7 billion | SSP 13.8 billion |
