Residents in Pallisa District who were recently hit by a devastating storm are still waiting for government assistance weeks after the disaster destroyed homes, crops, and livelihoods across the area.
The storm swept through more than fifteen villages, flattening over 200 homes, including schools and places of worship.
Crops were destroyed, two people lost their lives, and hundreds of families were displaced.
Pallisa Resident District Commissioner Majid Dhikusooka said district authorities have already written to the Office of the Prime Minister seeking emergency support for the affected communities.
“We have written to the Prime Minister’s Office and we are still waiting for a response,” Dhikusooka said.
As district leaders continue pushing for government intervention, the Woman Member of Parliament-elect for Pallisa District, Catherine Achola, has stepped in to support the affected communities while also addressing what she believes is one of the major causes of such disasters — deforestation.
Achola has begun distributing tree seedlings to residents and encouraging communities to plant trees as a long-term solution to prevent similar disasters in the future.
She said the fruit trees are expected to serve as windbreakers while also improving household food security.
“That disaster was avoidable if we had trees in our compounds. That is why we are taking advantage of every gathering to distribute seedlings,” Achola said.
The storm also wiped out food crops both in storage and in gardens, leaving many families struggling to feed themselves.
In response, Achola has rolled out food relief support targeting the most affected households. She also extended support to Muslim communities currently observing the fasting period.
Hundreds of bags of posho, rice, and beans were distributed through mosques across the district to support families during the fasting season.
“Our people are badly affected. Most families depend on jackfruit for survival, and many cannot afford a meal a day,” Achola said.
District leaders have welcomed the intervention, saying it has come at a critical time, particularly during the rainy season when many families are still recovering from the disaster.
Pallisa District Kadhi Sheikh Mujumbi Abdul Karim Ausi urged residents to take care of the distributed tree seedlings to ensure the initiative succeeds.
“My appeal to our people is to take good care of these trees so that we do not disappoint Honourable Achola. If we do this, she will continue supporting us,” he said.
Resident District Commissioner Majid Dhikusooka also commended the MP-elect for her support, noting that such leadership gives hope for the district’s development.
“If she can do this before even being sworn in, imagine what will happen when she settles in Parliament. This lady will push this district very far,” Dhikusooka said.
Achola says her leadership will prioritize re-greening Pallisa District by encouraging households to plant trees that will act as windbreakers while also strengthening food security.
