Farmers in Oyam District are facing severe losses after a heavy rainstorm accompanied by hail destroyed large sections of crops, raising fears of food shortages and loss of livelihoods.
The destructive storm struck Juma Parish in Kamdini Sub-county on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, affecting at least six villages. Gardens containing both food and cash crops were flattened as hailstones tore through leaves and young plants.
Carolyn Akot, a tomato farmer from Onea A village, said she lost four acres of tomatoes into which she had invested millions of shillings.
According to her, the crop was at different growth stages and she had expected to start harvesting within weeks.
“I had tomatoes at three different stages and was expecting to earn money within the next two weeks, but the hailstorm destroyed everything,” Akot said.
“I am completely devastated. Farming is my livelihood and workplace, and now I have nothing left. I appeal to the government for support because this is my only source of income.”
Local leaders say the damage extends beyond individual farmers and could affect household food security across the area.
Richard Ekuka, the LC I Chairperson of Juma village, warned that many families are now at risk of hunger after their staple crops were wiped out.
"The hailstorm destroyed a wide range ocrops, including cassava and bananas. The banana plantations lost all their leaves, and tomatoes planted near wetlands were also damaged,” he said.
“One person was also struck during the storm. Many households are now facing a difficult period ahead.”
In neighboring Bombei village, LC I Chairperson Solomon Onapa reported similar destruction, noting that both mature crops and young plants were affected.
“Cassava and banana gardens were destroyed, and even young trees that had just been planted were not spared,” Onapa said.
“The rain came back with unusual intensity, leaving the community vulnerable.”
Residents say the sudden weather event has not only wiped out expected incomes but also threatened the main sources of food for many families.
Local leaders and farmers are now calling on the government and humanitarian agencies to provide emergency assistance, particularly food relief and agricultural support, to help affected households recover.
“Without immediate intervention, many families will struggle to feed themselves in the coming months,” Ekuka added.
The incident highlights the growing vulnerability of smallholder farmers to extreme weather, which continues to disrupt agricultural production and livelihoods in northern Uganda.