Mubende leaders concerned over delays in OPM relief

Following a devastating hailstorm that struck Gayaaza Ward in Mubende Municipality, affecting over 100 households and unroofing 20 homes, local leaders have expressed concerns about delays in receiving relief from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM).

The storm, which also swept away gardens with heavy winds, has left the community in turmoil, with leaders urging immediate intervention.

A delegation led by Mubende Municipality Member of Parliament, Hajji Bashir Lubega Ssempa, alongside South Division Deputy Mayor Fred Katende and other local officials, visited the affected families to assess the damage and provide some initial support from the office of the area MP.

“Our people have been severely affected by this hailstorm, and as leaders, we are here to support them in these trying times,” said MP Hajji Ssempa.

He confirmed that he had already submitted a request to the Prime Minister for essential relief items, including foodstuffs, maize seedlings, and garden tools, and is now awaiting a response.

“We have taken steps to assist, but the affected families urgently need further support from the OPM.”

Mubende Municipality Mayor, Eng Innocent Ssekiziivu, shared that the municipality had compiled a detailed report on the affected households and forwarded it to the relevant authorities.

"We conducted ground assessments and collected data on the damage, and we are hopeful that the OPM will respond with much-needed relief items," Ssekiziivu said.

Deputy Mayor Fred Katende called on charitable organizations and individuals to continue supporting the affected families while waiting for government relief. He also thanked MP Ssempa for his immediate assistance.

"Many families are still struggling to make ends meet, and we urge good Samaritans to bring in more food and supplies. We appreciate the efforts of our MP and hope the OPM will act on the request for relief," Katende remarked.

He also noted that this was not the first time Gayaaza had faced such a calamity.

"In 2023, we experienced a similar hailstorm, but unfortunately, no relief was provided. This time, we are hopeful that things will be different," Katende added.

During the visit, residents voiced their frustrations, citing repeated instances where government assistance failed to materialize during crises.

"Last year, we suffered from a hailstorm, and the government did nothing to support us. We are hoping that this time, the situation will be different," said a local resident, Ssenyonyi.

The community now anxiously awaits the government's response to the leaders' appeal, hoping that relief will arrive soon to help them recover from the disaster.