EDITOR
Residents of Rukongi Parish in Nyarusiza Sub-county are facing the threat of famine following heavy rains that have destroyed crops and damaged key infrastructure in the area.
The downpour, which began on Monday this week, washed away several onion gardens belonging to more than 200 households. The destruction has left many families counting losses after investing heavily in onion farming, one of the area’s major income-generating activities.
The rains also caused significant damage to infrastructure, including the road leading to Mt. Muhabura, disrupting transport and affecting tourism activities in the region. Several roads, among them the Gasiza–Kanyakwezi road, were rendered impassable, while bridges were swept away by the floods.
The bridge connecting Musasa to Kabonero was particularly affected, leaving tourism vehicles stranded and paralyzing movement within the area.
Affected residents say they are now struggling to survive and have appealed to the government for urgent intervention in the form of financial relief and food assistance.
The LC1 Chairperson of Nyagihenge Village, Gasis Karaveri, confirmed the destruction of numerous gardens and expressed concern over the welfare of residents. He criticized district authorities and top leadership for what he described as a delayed response to the disaster, saying the community feels neglected during this difficult time.
LC2 Chairperson Ngaruye Pronari revealed that residents have resorted to community efforts to restore access to affected areas. He added that pupils have been unable to attend classes at Rukongi Primary School due to impassable roads and called for immediate government support.
Meanwhile, the Kisoro Branch Manager of the Uganda Red Cross Society, Gad Kanyesigye, confirmed that about 55 onion gardens have so far been verified as destroyed by the heavy downpour. He urged communities to promptly report disasters to relevant authorities to enable faster response and support.
Authorities are yet to announce a comprehensive relief plan as residents continue to grapple with the aftermath of the floods.
