Kibuku, (UG):- A powerful storm struck Kagumu Sub-County on the night of Friday, November 29, 2024, leaving the community reeling from the destruction. The heavy rains began around 6:00 PM, initially falling gently, but quickly escalated into a fierce tempest, accompanied by strong winds that uprooted trees and damaged homes.
As the storm raged on, many residents found themselves in peril. Retired Bishop Bole Yelokamu, who is blind, recounted the harrowing experience of that night. “I went to bed at 6:00 PM with my wife and three grandchildren,” he said. “Suddenly, I heard a terrifying noise as the storm intensified. Trees were falling, and I started to struggle to breathe.”
Thankfully, his grandchildren rushed to his aid, pulling him to safety as iron sheets from the roof were blown away, landing over 300 meters from their home. The Bishop called on the government for urgent assistance.
Logose Mirabu, another resident, described the scene: “The rain uprooted all the trees around our house, but we thank God that none of us was injured.” She and eleven others had sought shelter in her home, which was battered by the storm.
The situation was dire for Nakimuli Scovia, a mother of sixteen. “The rain came with such force, destroying everything from cassava to trees,” she lamented. “We relied on our garden for food, but now it’s all gone. I don’t know how I will care for my children.” She, too, called for government intervention.
Seventy-year-old Mudondo Mariam shared her traumatic ordeal. She was in the kitchen when a large tree fell onto her home, injuring her severely. “It was like a horror movie,” she recalled. Mariam was hospitalized due to her injuries, and her recovery continues as the community rallies around her.
Majanga John, a police officer and local shopkeeper expressed gratitude that his wife, who had given birth just three days prior, was unharmed despite their roof being torn off. “We have lost so much, but I thank God for my family’s safety,” he said.
Pastor Damba Paul, a local beekeeper, reported that the storm destroyed his beehives, scattering his bees and creating a dangerous situation for the community. He urged specialists to help restore his apiary and called on the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness for support.
Local leaders are acutely aware of the extensive damage. Abdu Kitembe, Chairperson of LC I in Kagumu II, estimated that over 100 people were left homeless due to the storm’s destruction in his village. “We lost livestock and crops, including coffee and cassava. Thankfully, no lives were lost, but immediate intervention is needed for the vulnerable,” he said.
Hon. Njiri Wilson, Chairperson of LC III for Kagumu Sub-County, echoed these concerns, stressing the need for government assistance to help families recover. He noted the considerable loss of property and livestock, particularly those tied to the Parish Development Model.
Kibuku District Coordinator for the Office of the National Chairman Hon. Katooko Sylvia Damba expressed deep sorrow for her hometown but highlighted the importance of tree planting away from homes to mitigate future disasters. “If it weren’t for the trees, the damage could have been much worse,” she stated, urging fellow leaders and well-wishers to come forward to aid those affected.
Hon. Hajji Muhammad Nakeba, Chairperson of LC V for Kibuku District, described the event as a horror. He urged community leaders to document the damage and assist those in need, emphasizing vigilance during unpredictable rainy seasons.
As the community assesses the aftermath of this devastating storm, it is estimated that over 600 people have suffered property damage across four parishes: Nakitende, Nankokoli, Kagumu, and Nakoma. The road to recovery will be long, and the residents of Kagumu look to their leaders and government for support in rebuilding their lives.
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