VANESSA A
Residents of Rushasha Parish in Nyakagyeme Subcounty, Rukungiri District, are appealing to the government for urgent intervention after heavy hailstorms destroyed their crops and property.
The storms, which began around 1:30 pm on Thursday, lasted for about two hours, leaving many families devastated and helpless.
Speaking to our reporter, Rushasha Parish Councilor Jackson Kajungu and local businessman Nazariyo Tumwine, based in Nyabikuku Trading Centre, expressed concern over the potential for famine in the coming months, as a large portion of their crops has been destroyed.
They revealed that crops such as sweet potatoes, banana plantations, cassava, coffee, and many others were lost, and they are calling on the government to provide relief food to the affected community.
Other residents, including James Mujuni, a farmer from Kyabugashe Cell, and Junior Niwamanya, told our reporter that the destroyed crops represented a critical source of income for families, including funds to pay school fees and settle loans. One farmer lamented losing his tomato and cabbage gardens, which he had been relying on to feed his family.
They also reported that some buildings, including kitchens, were destroyed by the strong winds and hail, and that animals such as goats were killed, further compounding their losses. They are appealing for immediate government assistance in the form of relief food.
When contacted, the sitting LC5 Chairperson of Rukungiri District, Geoffrey Kyomukama, expressed sympathy for the affected families, assuring them that the government stands with them and will take steps to secure relief funds from the central government.
He called upon LC1 chairpersons of the affected villages, as well as the LC3 Chairperson of Nyakagyeme Subcounty and the LC2 leaders, to be on alert today as extension workers will be deployed to document the families affected and assess the damages. He urged them to compile detailed reports to the offices of the Production Department and the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), ensuring that the LC5 office receives a copy to facilitate the process of providing assistance.
