NICHOLAS A
Residents from the cells of Nyamabare, Kabwiire, and Kafunda in Karangaro Ward, Western Division, Rukungiri Municipality, received relief food amounting to two tons of maize flour from Gen. Henry Tumukunde following a recent hailstorm that devastated the area.
The storm affected over 1,000 households, leaving the community on the brink of famine as it severely damaged crops, including banana plantations, cassava, beans, and groundnuts.
While receiving the relief food at Rukondo Church of Uganda, Yosia Kasigaire, the LC1 chairperson of Nyamabare Cell, described the hailstorm’s impact as severe, causing widespread destruction of gardens and leaving residents struggling to find food. He expressed gratitude for the support but emphasized that more assistance is still needed.
Benard Turyagyenda, the LC1 chairperson of Kafunda Cell, stated that over 120 households in his area were affected, leaving many in distress as farming is the primary source of livelihood. He appealed to the government for support, noting that despite submitting lists of affected residents as requested, no government aid has been received so far.
Speaking on behalf of Gen. Tumukunde, Mr. Twehangane Henry Saturday expressed condolences to the affected residents and urged them to replant their crops to prevent future food shortages. He noted that after hearing their plight, Gen. Tumukunde felt compelled to help and provided each affected household with five kilograms of maize flour.
Some of the beneficiaries praised Gen. Tumukunde for the relief food, stating that since the hailstorm struck, they have struggled to find meals, and the maize flour will sustain them for a few days.
In addition, Gen. Tumukunde also extended relief food to residents of Kitimba Ward, where villages including Omumaaya, Kitimba, Kanyanku, and Kaaro received 1.5 tons of maize flour to support those affected by the same hailstorm.
