Hailstorms and heavy rains have left residents of Nyaruhanga cell in Katete sub-county, Kanungu district devastated after their crops and property were destroyed. The incident began on Sunday at around 2:00pm when rain accompanied by strong winds and hailstones hit the area, damaging livelihoods and forcing families to start counting their losses.
Speaking to our reporter, Patrick Katushabe said the hailstorm destroyed key crops including cassava, banana plantations, and coffee. He added that some livestock were also killed, worsening the impact on households that were already struggling to recover from previous shocks. Katushabe appealed for immediate government intervention, saying many families are now facing hunger while parents have lost their only source of income.
Cue in………Katishabe……rr
Another resident, Grace Mutabazi, confirmed that the hailstorm lasted for more than two hours. She reported that it damaged houses, destroyed crops, and claimed lives of animals. Mutabazi noted that the community has experienced similar hailstorms before, but she said leaders have allegedly paid little attention to their concerns. She further stated that some residents borrowed loans expecting the farms to provide returns, but the destroyed crops may now leave them unable to repay.
Cue in……….Mutabaza….rr
In response, Hon. Partson Owokushaba, popularly known as Embarasi, district councilor for Katete sub-county, acknowledged the incident and urged affected residents to register with the chairperson of LC1. He promised to compile a report and submit it to the district production office for onward forwarding to the Prime Minister’s office through the Chief Administrative Officer, citing that Kanungu district does not have a dedicated relief and disaster preparedness office.
Cue in……..Owokushaba…rr
