A severe hailstorm accompanied by strong winds has caused significant destruction in Mpefu sub-county, Kagadi district. The storm affected more than 5,000 residents across five villages, destroying crops, homes, and household property.
The storm, which lasted for three hours, injured nine people from one family and caused widespread damage to both permanent and temporary houses. The affected villages include Kasara, Kashebeya, Rwabaranga, Mujaiguru B, and Wanjeyo.
Salim Lutaro Muhammad, the Agricultural Officer of Mpefu, reported that the storm struck around 8:00 pm on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. One family narrowly escaped death when their house collapsed at around 9:00 pm. The storm destroyed banana plantations, cassava gardens, and killed domestic animals, causing damage worth millions of shillings.
Lutaro has compiled a report to be sent to the Office of the Prime Minister and the disaster preparedness authorities for quick intervention. The report highlights the urgent need for food, shelter, and other forms of assistance.
Julius Kamotoka, whose house collapsed during the storm, described the harrowing experience of trying to rescue his family as their home was destroyed. He appealed to the Office of the Prime Minister, Finance Minister Matia Kasaija, and area MP Barnabas Tinkasiimire for immediate help.
Meresi Tumusiime, a resident of Rwabaranga village, also lost her home to the storm and is currently taking shelter with neighbors. She is seeking assistance from the government through MP Tinkasiimire.
Jenaster Tukamuhebwa, another resident, survived the storm with her two children after their house collapsed. They are now living with friends in Kagadi trading center.
Jackson Mwerinjirire of Rwabaranga lost his banana and cassava plantations and is seeking support from the district production officer and MP Tinkasiimire. Margrete Nalongo, a resident of Wanjeyo, lost over five acres of banana and cassava crops, which she relied on to pay for her children’s school fees.
Barnabas Tinkasiimire, the Buyaga West MP, visited the affected areas to assess the damage and urged residents to remain calm. He is compiling a report to present to the relevant authorities for urgent intervention.
“I have compiled my report about the devastating disaster and will present it to the relevant authorities for quick intervention. It is quite unfortunate for our farmers and residents in over six villages to be hit by hailstorms to such an extent. Their major source of income is matooke, and many had borrowed money from financial institutions,” said Tinkasiimire.
The affected residents, including area chairperson Gerald Twonze, have appealed to President Yoweri Museveni, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, and Finance Minister Matia Kasaija to send food and other aid to the area. Twonze emphasized that six villages were severely impacted, with many people in dire need of food and shelter. Some residents have been forced to take refuge with neighbors, and several schools and churches, including St. Michael Catholic Church and St. Michael Primary School, were also damaged.
The government is urged to act swiftly to provide the necessary assistance to the affected communities and help them recover from this devastating event.
