Ntungamo, Uganda – Residents of Rukoni West Sub-County in Ruhaama East County, Ntungamo district, are reeling from the devastation caused by torrential rain and strong winds.
The severe weather, which included heavy snowfall, struck Rukoni Parish on March 27, 2025, and again on April 2, 2025, impacting Nyakabale Parish. The storms wreaked havoc on crops, including beans, coffee, bananas, and onions, and damaged or destroyed homes, schools, and churches in several cells across the sub-county.
Affected cells include Nyakabale I, Kigomero, Kanonko, Kitogotsi I, Kitogotsi II, Kitogotsi III, Rwensinga, Kakindo, and Ruhanga. The storms caused significant flooding, washing away crops and leaving residents in desperate need.
Mr. Frank Mwine, the LC III chairperson of Rukoni West Sub-County, warned of potential food insecurity. “Without government intervention,” he stated, “many people will face significant hardship, and some may resort to theft within the coming days.” He emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that the storm, which lasted approximately an hour, completely devastated farms and properties.
Mr. Mwine appealed to area leaders, specifically Member of Parliament Hon. Benjamin Katangura Kamukama and Ntungamo District LCV Chairperson Samuel Muchunguzi Rwakigoba, to contact relevant authorities to initiate relief efforts.
Sub-County Speaker Mr. Otim Mayrs echoed these calls, urging the Ugandan government, particularly the Prime Minister’s office and the Disaster Preparedness Office, to quickly address the crisis.
Residents expressed their profound disappointment and loss. Ms. Ruth Twebaze Kabeera, a resident of Nyakabale I, lamented the devastation of her crops and garden.
The LC I chairperson of Kanonko cell, Mr. Yohana Turyamubona, called for immediate relief supplies, including maize flour and beans, to compensate residents for their losses and enable them to replant. He specifically requested 100 kg of maize flour and 50 kg of beans per household.
Farmers like Mr. Dan Mwebesa and Mr. Benon Kangume described the devastating impact on their livelihoods. Mr. Mwebesa highlighted the early-stage destruction of his crops, while Mr. Kangume stressed the loss of his anticipated harvest and the interruption to his family’s income, which depended on coffee and banana yields for school fees.
Rukoni West Sub-County comprises two parishes: Nyakabale (with 11 cells) and Rukoni (with 14 cells). A total of eight cells in Nyakabale Parish and 12 cells in Rukoni Parish were significantly impacted by the storms.
The affected communities are now facing a critical need for immediate support and assistance.
Story by: Amon Muhumuza
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