More than 30 houses have been destroyed by heavy rains accompanied by strong winds in Lwengo District, leaving families homeless, damaging crops and disrupting livelihoods as affected residents appeal to the government for emergency assistance.
The downpour, which occurred towards the end of last week, also damaged St. Michael Kikooba Primary School, a government-aided institution in Malongo Sub-county, where some school buildings were reportedly brought down by the storm.
The affected areas include Kaikolongo A, Kaikolongo B, Kikooba, Kyamatafali and Lwemiyaga, among other villages.
A visit to the affected communities revealed damaged homes, destroyed gardens and school buildings reduced to rubble, raising concerns about the welfare of families left without adequate shelter.
Residents fear their situation could deteriorate without urgent assistance, particularly as they struggle to find alternative accommodation and secure food for their families.
Bilakwate Francis, the Kikooba village chairperson, and Ronald Twijukye, the councillor representing Katovu Parish, described the destruction as devastating, saying several households were struggling to cope with the aftermath of the storm.
Some affected residents said they had nowhere to sleep after their homes were destroyed, forcing them to seek temporary shelter wherever possible.
The destruction of gardens has compounded their difficulties, with families reporting losses of food crops and other agricultural produce on which they depend for food and income.
Residents said the crop losses had left them uncertain about how they would feed their families and restore their livelihoods without external support.
They are appealing to their area Members of Parliament and the government to provide food, emergency shelter and other essential supplies to help them cope with the disaster.
They are also seeking assistance to rebuild their damaged homes and restore their agricultural activities.
Meanwhile, Lwengo District Speaker Madox Kanyesigye, who also represents Malongo Sub-county, has urged residents to plant trees around their homes as one measure to help mitigate the effects of strong winds.
Kanyesigye said tree planting could help reduce the impact of strong winds on properties, while encouraging communities to embrace environmental conservation.
He also revealed that the district had written to the ministry responsible for disaster preparedness and management, seeking assistance for the affected communities.
The district leadership is awaiting a response to its appeal, hoping that the relevant authorities will provide support to help residents recover from the destruction.
With more than 30 houses reportedly destroyed, crops lost and school buildings damaged, affected families are calling for urgent intervention to secure shelter, restore their livelihoods and enable them to rebuild their lives.