By Alfred Opio
More than 500 residents affected by a recent destructive storm in Kibale County, Pallisa District, have received relief assistance from Woman Member of Parliament-elect Catherine Achola, in a move aimed at supporting families struggling to recover from heavy losses.
The relief package, which included 500 jerricans, 400 blankets, and 1,000 tree seedlings, was distributed to households whose homes, crops, schools, and places of worship were damaged by heavy rainfall and strong winds that recently swept through the area.
Local leaders confirmed that the storm claimed the lives of two juveniles and left dozens of families displaced, with widespread destruction reported in Kibale Town Council, Kibale Sub-county, and Opwateta Sub-county.
Relief to Support Recovery Efforts
Speaking during the handover ceremony at Kajas Okurut Primary School, Achola said the donation was intended to offer immediate relief and help families begin rebuilding their lives as they await additional government support.
“This support is meant to help you start again as we wait for government intervention,” Achola told residents. “By God’s grace, your families shall return to the position they used to be.”
She urged the community to remain resilient and emphasized unity during the recovery period.
Call for Tree Planting and Environmental Protection
Achola also encouraged residents to adopt afforestation and environmental conservation practices to minimize future storm damage.
“We must plant more trees to protect our environment. At least plant 10 trees after cutting one so that the environment remains balanced and our buildings are protected from destructive winds,” she advised.
The distribution of 1,000 tree seedlings formed part of this long-term mitigation strategy.
Leaders Commend Timely Intervention
The Pallisa Resident District Commissioner, Majid Dhikhusooka, commended Achola for the timely support, describing it as a meaningful gesture that offers hope to affected families.
He assured residents that his office is coordinating with the Office of the Prime Minister of Uganda to mobilize additional assistance.
Beneficiaries Express Gratitude
Several beneficiaries welcomed the support, saying it would ease their immediate struggles.
Regina Achom, a resident of Owokei Cell, described the donation as a lifeline for her family, while Kolositika Asekenye said the new jerrican would help her fetch water after all her containers were destroyed in the storm.
“With this new jerrican, I can now fetch water again,” she said, adding that the blanket would help protect her young child from cold-related illnesses.
Hope for Further Government Support
As families continue to assess losses, local leaders say more comprehensive intervention will be needed to rebuild homes and restore livelihoods. However, the latest relief effort has brought renewed hope to many residents across the storm-ravaged communities.
The donation marks one of the first major community engagements by Achola since her election, signaling her commitment to disaster response and community welfare in Pallisa District.
