By Alfred Opio
Two grieving mothers in Kibale have appealed to the government for urgent assistance following a devastating storm that left hundreds homeless and claimed the lives of their infants.
The heavy downpour, accompanied by strong winds, swept through Kibale County, destroying more than 200 homes, injuring over 500 residents, and killing two children, in one of the area’s most destructive weather incidents in recent times.
Among the hardest hit is , a resident of Owokei Cell, who lost her one-and-a-half-month-old baby. She says her situation remains dire after all four of her grass-thatched houses were completely destroyed.
❝ “I am suffering a lot. I sleep under a tree while my nine children are scattered among neighbors whose homes survived.” ❞
— Kolositika Asekenye
Asekenye is now appealing to the government to construct at least two houses for her family and provide food relief. Her situation is further complicated by the absence of her husband, who reportedly left home for Kagwara in Serere .
Another victim, , also from Owokei Cell, lost her one-month-old baby in the same disaster. She described the emotional and financial toll of losing both her child and her newly constructed home.
❝ “I had just completed building my house, which cost me over 28 million shillings after returning from working abroad in Saudi Arabia. It had not even reached two months.” ❞
— Veronica Acham
Acham noted that although the storm tore off the roof of her house, the walls remain intact, and she has appealed to the government for assistance in re-roofing the structure.
The , Resident District Commissioner of Pallisa, acknowledged the severity of the situation and assured the affected families that their concerns would be forwarded to the Office of the Prime Minister for consideration.
❝ “We understand the pain these families are going through. Their concerns will be forwarded, and government is working on interventions to support all affected residents.” ❞
— Maji Dhikusooka
He urged residents to remain calm as authorities coordinate response efforts to assist those impacted by the disaster.
The tragedy has highlighted the vulnerability of communities in the area to extreme weather events, with affected families now calling for swift government intervention to help them rebuild their lives.
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