A severe storm swept through Kisanyarazi cell in Hima Town Council, Kasese district, leaving farmers facing massive agricultural losses. The extreme weather event, which struck yesterday evening at approximately 7:30 pm, brought torrential rains, strong winds, and hailstones that destroyed crops including beans, maize, and tomatoes - the region's key cash crops. Â
Impact on Local Farmers Â
The affected farmers now confront financial ruin, with many expressing despair over their inability to repay loans taken for cultivation. Nyasio Owikiriza and Joseline Kabugho described their shock at seeing their anticipated harvest - their sole means of debt repayment - completely wiped out. "We're left speechless and deeply worried," Kabugho stated, voicing the community's collective anxiety. Â
Samuel Twinomujuni, another impacted farmer, highlighted the double loss faced by growers. "We invested our meager savings in these crops," he explained, appealing for government intervention through seed donations to enable replanting. The disaster has particularly crushed young farmers like Joseph Abigaba, who had pinned his entrepreneurial hopes on the harvest. "My dream of starting a business with the proceeds has been destroyed," the despondent youth shared. Â
Broader Implications Â
The storm's damage exacerbates existing food security concerns in the region and threatens to deepen rural poverty levels. Agricultural experts warn that such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent due to climate change, necessitating long-term adaptation strategies. Â
Calls for Intervention Â
Local farmers are urgently requesting: Â
1. Emergency seed supplies for replanting Â
2. Debt relief or loan repayment extensions Â
3. Climate-smart agricultural training Â
4. Infrastructure to mitigate future weather disasters Â
The Kasese District Agricultural Officer confirmed assessments are underway to determine the full extent of damage, while area leaders are preparing formal appeals to national disaster management agencies. Â
