MICHAEL N
The business community in Ntungamo Municipality is counting heavy losses after torrential rains caused severe flooding on Friday evening, leaving many business owners in total distress.
More than forty businesses were affected, including groceries, hotels, garages, rentals, welding workshops, and even the offices of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Kakama Odongo Tabaaro, one of the affected business owners, expressed deep dissatisfaction after losing valuable property in the floods. He noted that this was not the first time such an incident had occurred, saying they have repeatedly appealed to their leaders for improved drainage systems over the past three years — but no action has been taken.
Robert Magambo and Wycliffe Tuyamureeba, tenants in some of the flooded houses, narrated their ordeal, explaining how they returned from work only to find their belongings soaked after floods filled their rooms.
Phiona Kyarikunda, a hotel owner, revealed that her hotel was completely submerged by the floods, leaving her with huge losses. She said she had started the business using a Parish Development Model (PDM) loan, but after the destruction, she fears she might have to return to the village. Kyarikunda appealed to municipal leaders to urgently improve the drainage systems and pipes near the NRM offices to prevent future disasters.
Denis Muhumuza, also known as Gen Savimbi, the Itojo Sub-county LC5 Councilor, told our reporter that residents are suffering due to poor leadership from the municipal authorities. He criticized the council for focusing on tax collection while failing to provide essential services to the people.
Savimbi emphasized that the municipality should consider compensating the affected business community, many of whom had acquired startup capital through loans from banks and SACCOs. He further called for the urgent construction of an improved drainage system capable of handling heavy rainfall and preventing further damage.
