Rubanga Residents call for gov’t help after devastating hailstorm.

Rukungiri: Residents of Rubanga Parish in Buyanja sub-county are seeking for government assistance following a devastating hailstorm that severely damaged their homes and livelihoods.

The storm on Wednesday September 18, 2024 destroyed various gardens, including beans, cassava, coffee, and bananas, and resulted in the loss of livestock, such as hens and goats in the parishes of Kasheeshe, Nyakaina, Rubanga and Nyakabungo.

Allan Tumwesigye, a resident of Nyakasharara cell in Rubanga parish, told our reporter on Thursday September 19, 2024 that the hailstorm damaged his coffee, bananas, beans, and even the iron sheets on his house.

With a family of 8 children to fend for, he is now struggling to provide food and worried about how to afford school fees, which he used to cover from his agricultural income.

The agricultural officer for Buyanja sub-county, Alex Rukundo noted that this is the third time Rubanga Parish has faced such severe weather since the beginning of September.

He warned that the hailstorm would lead to food shortages and lack of seeds for the next planting season.

Agaba Emmy Rubondo, LCIII Chairperson for Buyanja sub-county, expressed frustration over the lack of response from district officials, claiming they have neglected Rubanga Parish during this crisis.

He called on the government to consider expediting the release of Parish Development Model funds to people in his area to assist those who have lost their investments in coffee and other crops.