A powerful hailstorm has wreaked havoc in Lyantonde district, leaving homes destroyed, crops flattened, and residents struggling to rebuild their lives.
The storm swept through Katebe Village in Kasagama Subcounty recently, ravaging over 57 acres of farmland and displacing several families.The hailstorm wiped out key crops, dealing a severe blow to local food security.
According to officials, 14 acres of beans, 23 acres of maize, five acres of cassava, 14 acres of banana plantations, and one acre of Irish potatoes were destroyed.
Farmers are now left without their primary source of income, deepening the hardship in the rural community.
In addition to crop losses, four houses were destroyed, leaving families without shelter. The storm also killed 15 chickens, further impacting household livelihoods.
Though the worst of the damage was concentrated in Katebe Village, other areas in Mpummude Subcounty also experienced milder effects.
Lyantonde District Production Officer, Mr. Keneth Twesigomwe, visited the affected area and urged immediate action.
“We need to coordinate with local leaders to register all affected families and provide urgent relief,” he stated.
Kasagama Agriculture Officer, Mr. Baker Tusingwire, echoed the call for help, stressing that many residents have been left with nothing.
“The storm has wiped out people’s livelihoods and food supplies. Swift relief is needed to support these families through this crisis,” Tusingwire said.
Residents Speak
“My house was destroyed, and my entire plantation is gone,” said local farmer Charles Lukawa. “We have no home or income. Right now, we are relying on neighbors for shelter,” he added.
Jane Nakazibwe, another resident, expressed her despair. “We lost everything, our crops, our homes. We have to start from scratch,” she explained.
Local Leaders Mobilise Support
Subcounty Chief Representative Amon Begumanya reassured residents that efforts were underway to seek assistance.
“We are working with district officials to secure aid from the Office of the Prime Minister for the affected families,” Begumanya said.
The storm has underscored the vulnerability of rural communities to climate-related disasters and the urgent need for climate-resilient infrastructure, sustainable farming practices, and better disaster preparedness.
Long-Term Impact on Food Security
As the community awaits relief, concerns are growing over the long-term impact of the storm on food security and local livelihoods.
With many crops lost just before harvest, recovery may be long and difficult.
Local officials have called for immediate aid and longer-term strategies to build resilience against future climate shocks.
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