A devastating storm has left residents of eight villages in Nakyenyi Parish, Lwengo Rural Sub-county, Lwengo District, in distress after destroying homes and property. The storm, accompanied by heavy rains, has caused significant damage, leaving many families homeless and without basic necessities.
Residents Left in Despair
Affected residents expressed their anguish, stating that they have been left with nothing. Some were found outside their destroyed homes, unable to salvage their belongings due to the intensity of the storm.
Affected Villages
The eight villages impacted include Nakiyaga A and B, Nsonja, Kijooga, and others. In Nakiyaga A alone, over 15 homes were completely destroyed by the strong winds. It is estimated that nearly 30 homes across Nakyenyi Parish have been severely damaged or collapsed due to the storm, which struck late last night and continued into the early hours of the morning.
Loss of Property and Crops
The storm also uprooted crops such as cassava, coffee, bananas, and others, affecting over 200 residents. The destruction has left many families without food or shelter, exacerbating their already dire situation.
Namukadde Nakyanzi Edith, a resident who lived with her grandchild, recounted how the storm left them homeless. She described the terrifying experience, comparing the storm’s force to a fierce battle.
Residents, led by Nakiyaga A Village Chairperson Denis Kabanda, expressed their helplessness, stating that they were unprepared for such a disaster. They have appealed to the government for immediate assistance to help them rebuild their lives and recover their lost property.
Yasin Salongo Kateregga, the Chairperson of Nakyenyi Parish, and Ben Lubega, the Parish Councillor, emphasized the urgent need for support. They warned that without assistance, residents might resort to looting to survive.
Parish Model Funds Affected
Kizito Lawrence, the Chairperson of Lwengo Rural Sub-county, revealed that the storm has also disrupted the Parish Development Model (PDM) funds, as many residents had invested in projects that were destroyed.
Government Response
Immy Kateera, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Lwengo, visited the affected areas and assured residents that the Office of the Prime Minister has been informed about the disaster. She urged residents to remain calm and avoid panic, promising that the government would step in to provide relief and support.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the storm, calls for immediate intervention grow louder, with residents hoping for swift action to restore their livelihoods and rebuild their homes.
