Hunger looms as hailstorms devastate Katakwi

He warned of potential prolonged hunger due to the destruction.

Our ReporterJuly 11, 2024

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Katakwi: A severe hailstorm hit Katakwi District, causing widespread destruction and loss of property.

The storm affected several areas, including Toroma Sub County, Amusia Sub County, and Tiroma Tiwn Council, where houses, crops, poultry, and livestock were destroyed.

According to Rashid Olinga, the LCI of Bobore village in Toroma Town Council, 73 acres of simsim gardens were destroyed, 74 gardens of cassava, 84 gardens of groundnuts, and 40 gardens of sorghum.

Others are: 30 gardens of millet destroyed; 60 gardens of mixed groundnuts and maize destroyed were destroyed during the Monday evening hailstorms.

Olinga added that livestock was not left; 76 goats for Parish Development Model (PDM) beneficiaries were killed, and he did not spare over 400 chickens in his village.

He expressed concern over the fate of the villagers’ livelihoods in the near future, saying hunger is the only thing expected to happen in these areas.

Hellen Achen, Speaker for Toroma Sub County, confirmed the destruction and personal loss, including the chicken received from the Vice President recently.

Meanwhile, Adite Nora, a resident of Morunyang village, asked locals to call for forgiveness and saw the hailstorm as a warning from God.

However, Maj. Rtrd Godfrey Even Katamba, RDC Katakwi District, confirmed the extensive damage and urged affected communities to be calm as they compile the emergency report for the Office of the Prime Minister.

He warned of potential prolonged hunger due to the destruction.

“It is unfortunate that Toroma Sub County has recently experienced one of the worst disasters due to heavy rainfall and hailstones, this calamity has resulted in the significant loss of livestock, birds, and crops, marking a severe blow to our community,” Geoffrey Omolo, the katakwi district LCV said.

Omolo added that, his is undeniably a big loss arguing the lower leadership to diligently collect all data regarding this destruction, compile this information and share it with the disaster ministry to seek necessary support and interventions.

He therefore, adviced the community to implement mitigation measures to combat environmental destruction which focuses on the actions like: planting trees, avoiding wetland encroachment among others.

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