Nine injured after Kagadi hailstorm, hundreds displaced

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KAGADI - More than 5,000 residents from five villages of Mpefu sub-county in Kagadi district are counting losses after a heavy hailstorm accompanied by strong winds devastated their crops and household property.

Victims include nine people from one family who sustained injuries.

Salim Lutaro Muhammad, the Agricultural officer of Mpefu identified the affected villages as Kasara, Kashebeya, Rwabaranga, Mujaiguru B, and Wnjeyo all in Mpefu sub-county in Kagadi district.

He further disclosed that seven members of the same family escaped death when the permanent house in which they slept collapsed at around 9:00pm on Wednesday (May 15, 2024).

He explained that the 3-hour devastating hail storm and strong wind which started at around 8:00pm ripped off several permanent and temporary houses, destroyed: banana plantations, and cassava gardens, and killed domestic animals as well as, damaging household property worth millions of shillings. 

He adds that he has compiled a report to the office of prime Minister and disaster preparedness for quick intervention.

Julius Kamotoka, whose permanent house collapsed due to strong winds,  in an interview with  New Vision appealed to the Office of the Prime Minister, finance minister Matia Kasaija, and area MP Tinkasiimire Barnabas to come to his aid. 

Meresi Tumusiime stands beside her collapsed house in Rwabaranga village, Mpefu sub-county in Kagadi district. (All Photos by Andrew Musinguzi)

"I and my family members survived narrowly when the house collapsed as we slept inside. My wife and I struggled to rescue our children but all our household property and the entire building collapsed. Our plantations of maize, cassava, and bananas were destroyed. I appeal to President Museveni and Robinah Nabbanja the prime Minister to render the necessary assistance to us," said Kamotoka.

The affected residents including area chairperson Gerald Twonze appealed to President Yoweri Museveni, Premier Nabbanja, and finance minister Kasaija to send food to the area.

"A total of six villages were hard hit by the hailstorm. They are in dire need of food, and shelter and are currently taking refugee to their neighbors. They have children they look after some are orphans while others are in school and will need school fees’’, said.

Twonze. He noted that some schools and churches were also ripped off by the strong wind citing St. Michael catholic church and St. Michael Primary School.

Meresi Tumusiime, a resident of Mpumude said her house was ripped off due to strong wind and she is taking shelter in the neighborhood. She seeks help from the government through MP Tinkasiimire.

Jenaster Tukamuhebwa, a resident of Kagadi trading center said she survived the disaster with her two children when her house collapsed. She is also taking refuge from her friends at the trading center.

Jackson Mwerinjirire of Rwaabaranga said his plantations of bananas, and cassava were destroyed by the disaster and wants the district production officer and MP Tinkasiimire to render the necessary support.

Margrete Nalongo another resident of Wanjeyo said she lost over 5 acres of Bananas and cassava from where she has been getting fees for her children.

Barnabas Tinkasiimire, the Buyaga West MP  while assessing the damage in Mpefu sub-county called for calm as he also compiled a report about the extent of the damage.

"I have also compiled my report about the devastating disaster and will present it to 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 had borrowed some money from financial institutions," said Tinkasiimire.