Pallisa, Uganda: Two children were killed and dozens of homes destroyed after a violent hailstorm swept through Kibale Town Council in Pallisa District, eastern Uganda, on Saturday evening.
The storm, accompanied by heavy rains and strong winds, struck at around 4:00 p.m. on February 14, 2026, and lasted nearly an hour, leaving widespread destruction across the area.
Kibale Town Council Mayor Joseph Okoboi confirmed that the hailstorm severely affected villages, including Ogasiano, Okeau, Omukulai A and B, and Opusai.
Homes were unroofed, iron sheets ripped off, and timber structures scattered, while household property and livestock were destroyed.
Bukedi North Regional Police Spokesperson Kyempasa Wilfred confirmed that a three-month-old infant, Epiketom Simon Peter of Oukei Cell, died after structures collapsed during the storm.
Police also reported the death of another child, whose identity had not been established at the time of filing this report.
“Tragically, two young lives were lost,” police said, adding that investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Several residents, including Epoketom Simon Peter of Oukei Cell, Anato Grace, Orani George, Ogarama and Tukei Emmanuel, were among those whose homes were damaged.
Local leaders described the incident as one of the most destructive weather events in recent memory, with hailstones pounding rooftops and winds flattening weak structures.
Many affected families are now in urgent need of shelter, food supplies and medical assistance.
Relief Efforts Underway
Authorities are conducting damage assessments and coordinating emergency response efforts.
Residents have appealed for government intervention to provide temporary shelters and rebuilding support.
The Uganda National Meteorological Authority has previously warned about increasing extreme weather events in parts of eastern Uganda linked to climate variability, although no specific advisory was issued for this storm.
Local leaders have called for long-term resilience measures to protect vulnerable communities from future climate-related disasters.
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