Residents of Kirabaho-Kabatunda Town Council and Kyabarungira Sub-county in kasese district are facing a looming food crisis and financial ruin after a violent hailstorm swept through the area, destroying acres of farmland and critical infrastructure.
The disaster which struck has left more than 58 households in a state of mourning as their primary sources of livelihood were wiped out. The hailstorm hit seven major villages across the Town Council and Sub-county including: Kaghorwe, Kyabarungira 1, Kyabarungira 2, Katwa, Kirabaho A, Kirabaho B, Kasithu and Kibiriri villages.
The hailstorm swept key food and cash crops, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The affected crops include: Maize and Bananas, Coffee and Beans, Groundnuts (G-nuts) and Tomatoes and this might cause famne in the subsequent days.
Local farmers report losses amounting to millions of shillings. In a particularly devastating blow, many residents revealed that the capital used to invest in these gardens was acquired through Parish Development Model (PDM) SACCOs , leaving them with no harvest and an mounting debt burden.
The situation is further complicated by the ongoing heavy rains, which have rendered local roads impassable. This infrastructure collapse has paralyzed business activities, making it difficult for residents to transport the little produce they have left or access essential services.
Mr. Mustafa Kikusa, the Chairman of the District Disaster Management Committee, confirmed that his office is aware of the tragedy. He said they are currently working on a rapid assessment report to be submitted to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) for immediate intervention.
Mr. Kikusa also issued a stern warning to the public, urging residents to remain vigilant as meteorological reports suggest that heavy rains are expected to continue throughout the month of May and disasters are expected to happen in various areas of the district.
With gardens gone and roads blocked, the people of Kirabaho and Kyabarungira are calling for food relief and support to be able to survive the coming months because the area is likely to be hit by famine.
