Abstract:
The Nabuyonga River in the northern division of Mbale City has been facing an alarming
increase in flood frequency, with significant events occurring in 2019 and 2022. Heavy
rainfall, rapid urbanization, poor agricultural practices, and climate change are the main
contributors to these floods. The impacts have been severe causing tremendous effects such
as displacement of residents, destruction of homes and property, and loss of lives. Public
health hazards, such as cholera, dysentery, diarrhea, and typhoid, have also emerged as
significant concerns due to flooding. Although measures, like planting bamboo trees along
riverbanks, have been implemented, they are not sustainable long-term solutions due to
deforestation and other man’s related activities.
There is a critical need for long-term structural measures that prioritize sustainability to
mitigate future floods. Flooding along the Nabuyonga River has caused not only property
damage but also economic losses and increased exposure to water borne diseases.Without
any intervention, the situation may severely impact the political, economic, and social aspects
of Mbale City. Stakeholders are urged to devise effective solutions to mitigate the disastrous
effects of flooding. The implementation of this research could profoundly impact Sustainable
Development Goals 6, 11, and 13.
The main objective of the study is to evaluate the potential effectiveness of structural flood
mitigation measures and suggest the most effective measure. The study will focus on the
geographical area of the Nabuyonga River in Mbale City within the Namatala watershed.The
research will be conducted over a four-month period and will not account for climate change
impacts.The study seeks to reduce flood risk and vulnerability along the Nabuyonga River’s
floodplain throught the integration of hydrological models using software such as HEC-HMS
and hydraulic models using HEC-RAS.Levee,channel straightening,detention basin or
floodwall design will be done using the HEC-RAS.
