KATAKWI — Hundreds of farmers in Katakwi District are counting heavy losses after a destructive hailstorm wiped out crops across five villages, raising fears of looming food insecurity.
The disaster struck on the evening of April 23, 2026, at around 5:00 p.m., just as long-awaited rains returned following a three-week dry spell. Instead of relief, the rains came with strong winds and hailstones that devastated approximately 500 gardens in Aguriguri, Apuuton, Angoobo, Apollin, and Atiriiri villages in Apollin Parish, Katakwi Sub-county.
Farmers say the storm destroyed a wide range of crops, including sorghum, groundnuts, maize, cassava, beans, millet, and rice—most of which had been planted for the first harvest of the season.
Daniel Olaki, a farmer from Aguriguri Village, described the incident as a major setback.
“We were waiting for the rains after a long dry spell, but what came instead destroyed our crops,” he said. “The wind and hailstorms have left us worried about hunger in the coming months.”
The destruction has left many households uncertain about their next steps, with farmers now considering whether to replant amid limited resources.
John Peter Aomat, a 61-year-old resident of Aguriguri, said he suffered total loss after the storm destroyed his two gardens and killed 25 chicks.
“This is a complete loss for me,” Aomat said. “We are appealing to the government to support us with seeds so that we can plant again.”
Local leaders have also confirmed the extent of the damage. Robert Ibwala, the LC1 chairperson of Aguriguri Village, said the storm affected a significant number of farmers across the parish.
“Approximately 500 gardens have been destroyed, especially maize, cassava, groundnuts, and rice,” Ibwala noted. “These were crops meant for the first harvest, and now people are left with nothing.”
Max Oleumo, Vice Chairperson of Apollin Parish, said the impact of the hailstorm has been felt across the entire parish, calling for urgent intervention from authorities.
“We are calling upon the Katakwi District Disaster Committee and the Office of the Prime Minister to come to our rescue with seeds,” Oleumo said. “If nothing is done, we are likely to face hunger and serious food shortages.”
He added that the disaster comes at a time when communities are already struggling with the high cost of living and rising commodity prices, further worsening the situation.
The incident highlights the increasing vulnerability of farmers to extreme weather events, which continue to disrupt agricultural production and livelihoods across the region.
As affected families begin to assess the damage, the call for emergency support and agricultural recovery assistance grows louder, with hopes that timely intervention will help avert a potential food crisis in Katakwi.
