Hailstorm has wreaked havoc on the villages of Mazinga and Rwenjeru in Nyakabirizi Division, Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality, leaving residents grappling with food shortages and the loss of livestock.
The storm has destroyed crops and killed animals, prompting urgent pleas for assistance from the government and well-wishers.
The affected residents are now living in fear of a looming famine as their main source of livelihood has been decimated.
Banana plantations, cassava, beans, maize, and coffee crops were ravaged by the storm, leaving them without food and pushing them further into economic distress.
“Look at the damage! What can we do now?” lamented Businge Medius, a local resident whose cassava, beans, and sweet potatoes were destroyed.
Another affected farmer, Adonia Kabaterine, recounted the terrifying moment the storm struck, describing how darkness suddenly filled the skies before the hailstorm began its destructive onslaught.
Livestock was not spared either. Bariyo Calestince, a resident, mourned the loss of four goats and two pigs. “I expected to generate some money from my animals, but now I’ve lost everything. I don’t even have words,” he expressed in frustration.
The hailstorm hit when most of the locals were already burdened with bank loans and struggling to pay school fees. With their cash crops destroyed, many are uncertain about how they will recover from the financial losses.
Robert Muhairwe, LC1 Chairperson of Nyakahita, voiced his concern over the severe impact of the disaster on the community.
“We are deeply distressed by this disaster. As you can see, my people no longer have food. Everything they depended on for survival is gone,” Muhairwe stated.
The LC3 Chairperson of Nyakabirizi Division, Biryomumaisho Nyansiyo, reported that over 1,000 families have been affected by the storm. “The damage is overwhelming. Many people