MUGABE R
Authorities in Buyanja Sub County, Rukungiri District, are urging the Office of the Prime Minister to investigate the extensive damage caused by hailstorms and provide compensation to the affected victims.
Several parishes in Buyanja Sub County, including Rubanga, Nyakaina, Kasheshe, Bugyera, and Rwakirungura, have been hit by hailstorms repeatedly since last month. However, the most recent hailstorm on September 18, 2024, severely damaged banana plantations, cassava, potatoes, coffee gardens, as well as poultry and buildings.
Innocent Kahimakazi, a resident of Kyamabale Cell, expressed her grief over losing both her poultry and gardens, which she had cultivated using a loan intended to secure food for her family and pay for school fees.
Alice Kyarisiima, a resident of Nyakasharara, likened the recent hailstorm to one she experienced in 1987, which had similarly destroyed livestock and infrastructure. She called for urgent government intervention.
Allan Tumwesigye, a resident of Nyakasharara Cell, voiced his frustration over how he will care for his eight children after his gardens were ruined and his roof was damaged by the storm.
Alex Namanya Kiwenge, from Kihengamo Cell, lamented the destruction of his coffee gardens, where he had invested 20 million UGX through a loan. He expressed concerns about repaying the loan and called on the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness and local Members of Parliament to assist.
Fred Bitariho, the Councilor representing Rubanga Parish, highlighted the damage to homes and crops and called for immediate government relief and compensation.
Rukundo Alex, the Buyanja Sub County Agriculture Officer, noted the repeated reports of hailstorm damage over the past month and expressed concern over the area’s future food security. He urged the Office of the Prime Minister to step in and support the welfare of the affected residents.
Agaba Emmy Rubondo, the LC3 Chairperson of Buyanja Sub County, criticized the district authorities for neglecting the sub-county since the hailstorm incidents began. He called on the government to suspend the recovery of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds in the affected areas, as many projects were destroyed. He also urged the Office of the Prime Minister to assess the extent of the damage and provide urgent relief to safeguard lives.
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