Govt absent after 300 islanders left homeless as rainstorm ravages Kalangala
Some of the houses that were destroyed after the cyclonic winds swept through Lwaazí-Bubeke landing site in Kalangala District on January 21, 2025. Photo/ David Sekayinga
What you need to know:
- Kalangala District Chairperson, Rajab Semakula slammed Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA) for failing to give timely weather alerts to islanders.
More than 300 residents in Kalangala District have been left homeless after strong cyclonic winds tore through their houses and brought down trees in the area.
The Tuesday heavy winds swept through Lwazi-Bubeke landing site, injuring one person and also razed to the ground 100 houses while several shops, restaurants, drinking joints and lodges suffered significant damage.
"This time, it was very destructive because the moment it began, houses were shaking. You could hear roofs getting off and the houses eventually collapsed,” Mr Musa Musanjje, a resident of Lwaazi-Bubeke landing site said.
Mr Dube Sinobayo, another affected resident recounts his losses his ordeal.
"My house had three rooms but they were all razed to the ground. I used to keep my chicken and goats in another room which also got damaged and I don’t know where the birds and animals are,” he said.
Mr Mustafa Minjo, the secretary of Lwazi village, said many households were storing their food items like maize flour and rice inside the family houses and all got soaked in water.
"It is a disaster which calls for government’s swift intervention. We pray that the victims get the necessary assistance,” he said.
Kalangala District Disaster Focal Person, David Omongoti , said a technical team from the district, Office of the Prime Minister and Uganda Red Cross Society was yet to arrive in the area to assess the damage.
However, the area MP Moses Kabuusu expressed frustration over the slow response of the Office of the Prime Minister.
"Each time we seek help, we are told the government cannot rebuild homes but can only provide food relief like maize flour and beans, which take up to six months to arrive. This time, we request that relief be delivered quickly so that our people can at least have food as we look for ways of constructing their houses," he said.
Kalangala District Chairperson, Rajab Semakula slammed Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA) for failing to give timely weather alerts to islanders.
But Yusuf Nsubuga, a representative from UNMA, advised local leaders in Kalangala to submit their telephone contact details to ease communication.
"We usually send out weather updates at 3am and 3pm. So, let them share with us their telephone contacts and we shall avail that information to them daily," he said.
January is traditionally a dry period but due to climate change, many districts, especially in South Western Uganda are currently receiving substantial amount of rainfall.
