NICHOLAS A
Buyanja Sub County has received 10 tons of maize flour and 3 tons of bean seeds as relief following the recent hailstorms that devastated the area, leaving many families on the brink of severe famine.
According to Agaba Emmy Rubondo, the chairperson of Buyanja Sub County, the hailstorms that struck in August and September severely affected regions including Rubanga, Nyakaina, Rwenkurijo, Rwakirungura, and Nyabitete, among others.
Rubondo reported that over 2,000 families were impacted by the disaster, raising fears of a looming famine. He explained that although they registered the affected families and submitted the lists to government authorities seeking relief, no aid has been received from the government thus far.
Rubondo expressed his gratitude to Bob Rugonde for stepping in to provide relief food, acknowledging that this aid will significantly help many people in the community.
He added that the sub-county authorities are open to receiving assistance from any individuals or organizations willing to help the area, expressing disappointment in the government’s lack of response since the disaster occurred.
Brian Tumukunde, an NRM mobilizer from Ruhanga Parish and one of the organizers overseeing the food distribution, said that, according to the lists compiled by local leaders after the disaster, 17,000 families are expected to benefit from this relief campaign.
He urged beneficiaries not to cook the bean seeds provided, emphasizing that they are intended for planting, not for consumption.
The distribution of the relief food began yesterday, 13th October 2024, in Ruhanga Parish, where residents gathered at Kishonga Primary School to receive the aid. Authorities plan to extend the distribution to other parishes soon.
Alex Bob Rugonde, the provider of the relief food, clarified that his decision to help was not influenced by political pressure but motivated by a genuine desire to support the well-being of the people of Buyanja.
He encouraged residents of Rubanga to avoid conflating politics with development if they want to prosper. He also assured them that all affected areas in Buyanja would receive food relief.
Rugonde urged beneficiaries to avoid getting involved in money-driven politics and to instead focus on electing leaders who are committed to solving issues that hinder development.
It is worth noting that, in Rukungiri District, the disaster also affected areas beyond Buyanja, including Rukungiri Municipality, Buhunga Sub County, and Nyakishenyi Sub County.
