By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
MITOOMA
Residents of Mitooma District are grappling with the aftermath of a devastating hailstorm that struck on Sunday, destroying crops, killing animals, and damaging property.
The storm, which hit Rukundo village, parish in Katenga Sub-county, Ruhinda County, also ravaged a Pentecostal church led by Pastor Abasada in Bitooma Village and caused destruction in surrounding areas.
Albert Nyeronde, the LCIII Councilor of Katenga Sub-county, told Parrots UG that community gardens, and food crops such as cassava, coffee, bananas, and beans were destroyed by the hailstones, leaving many families at the brink of famine crisis.
“This destruction not only threatens our food security but also jeopardizes our ability to pay for essential expenses, including school fees for our children,” he said.
He appealed to area Members of Parliament and the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness to intervene urgently by providing relief food and seedlings to the affected families.
“I kindly request support in providing immediate food assistance to affected families. Any help would be invaluable in ensuring that our children continue their education,” he added.
Nyeronde expressed concern over the future of school-going children in the area, noting that coffee, a key source of household income, had been significantly affected.
“‘The income generated from coffee and other crops is crucial for funding education, and without it, many children may be unable to attend school. This situation poses a significant challenge to the future of our community,” he said.
