Residents dig through the rubble in the hope of finding survivors. (Photo Courtesy The Daily Nation)

Kampala — Political and traditional leaders sent condolences to the people of Bududa and appealed to all Ugandans to assist the victims.

Buganda premier John Baptist Walusimbi said: "In moments like these, I appeal to all people in Uganda to contribute towards helping out the many victims who are badly in need of humanitarian assistance."

He added: "Disaster knows no boundaries. Let us be united regardless of our political, ethnic and religious affiliation to encounter a common problem."

The new Democratic Party chief, Norbert Mao, asked the Government to declare Bududa and other affected areas as disaster zones in order to mobilise resources for appropriate response.

Mao also called for an effective early warning system. He appealed for support for the victims.

"I have personally witnessed one of the worst humanitarian disasters in the world - the displacement of about two million people from their homes by the northern conflict. I have seen how the smallest efforts and donations can go a long way to assist during times of tragedy."

Mao, like Dr. Abed Bwanika, the President of the People's Development Party, hailed the UPDF and the Red Cross and the many organisations for the swift response to the tragedy.

"We are so grateful to the UPDF for the quick response and we salute them for demonstrating great leadership, Bwanika said in a statement.

He urged the Government to draw lessons from the tragedy to secure the lives and property of Ugandans in case of such challenges.

The ruling National Resistance Movement vice-chairperson for eastern Uganda, Mike Mukula, has launched an appeal for help for the victims.

The 'Help Bududa Appeal' is being organised jointly with the Red Cross.

Mukula told The New Vision yesterday that several people had shown support for the cause, including the Nabagereka of Buganda, the chairperson of MTN, corporate institutions and various banks.

"I would like to appeal to all people of good will to bring out blankets, shirts or dresses, jerrycans, plates; whatever you can. One by one will make a bundle and help those in dire need," he said.

France sent a message of condolences in a statement issued by the French ministry of foreign affairs.

Additional reporting by Thadeo Bwambale