By Our Reporter
The residents of Rukoni West Sub County, Ruhaama East County in Ntungamo District, are reeling from the aftermath of a devastating storm. Heavy rains, windstorms, and even hail stones have wreaked havoc on the area, destroying gardens, homes, churches, and schools. Crops such as beans, coffee, bananas, and onions have been washed away, leaving many without food security.
The affected areas include Nyakabale I, Kigomero, Kanonko, Kitogotsi I, Kitogotsi II, Kitogotsi III, Rwensinga, Kakindo and Ruhanga cells. Mr. Mwine Frank, LC III Chairperson of Rukoni West Sub County, expressed concern over the disaster, warning that without government intervention, food insecurity could lead to desperate measures among residents. He highlighted two major incidents: the storm on March 27th, which ravaged Rukoni Parish, and another on April 2nd, which devastated Nyakabale Parish.
Otim Mayrs, the Sub County Speaker, called on the government, particularly the Office of the Prime Minister and the Office of Disaster Preparedness, to provide urgent relief and support. He also urged the area Member of Parliament, Hon. Benjamin Katangura Kamukama, and the Ntungamo District LCV Chairperson, Samuel Muchunguzi Rwakigoba, to advocate for intervention.
Ruth Twebaze Kabeera has shared her struggle, with crops destroyed and her homes damaged. She pleaded for relief items such as maize flour and beans to sustain them while they replant their gardens. Dan Mwebesa and Mr. Benon Kangume farmers lamented the loss of their livelihoods, with crops destroyed at premature stages and sources of income cut off.
Rukoni West Sub County is comprised of two parishes: Nyakabale Parish with 11 cells and Rukoni Parish with 14 cells. The disaster affected eight cells in Nyakabale Parish and 12 cells in Rukoni Parish, leaving the community in dire need of support. Local leaders and residents are united in their call for immediate government intervention to address the crisis and provide relief to those affected.
