A severe hailstorm has struck Tororo Municipality in Uganda, leaving approximately 700 families without homes. The storm, which occurred in the past week, caused widespread destruction, blowing off rooftops, damaging houses, and destroying crop gardens in several villages. The affected communities include Bison A, Bison B, Agururu, Rubongi, and Water Village.
Many residents have been forced to seek shelter with relatives, while others are stranded and in need of emergency assistance. Tororo District LCV Chairperson John Okea reported that preliminary assessments indicate around 700 families have been affected, with numerous houses losing their rooftops to the storm. The district has begun compiling damage reports to submit to the Office of the Prime Minister.
The hailstorm also resulted in injuries and destruction of household property. Johnson Osinde, one of the affected residents, was inside his house when the storm struck, causing a wall to collapse on him and leaving him seriously injured. His household belongings were destroyed, leaving him without shelter.
Residents are appealing to the government for intervention, citing a lack of shelter and financial means to repair their damaged homes. Godfrey Busono, an affected resident, expressed concerns about the disaster catching residents unprepared, leaving many uncertain about their living arrangements.
Phoebe Otala, a resident of Bison in Tororo Municipality, called for greater government attention to disaster-prone communities in the Bukedi sub-region. She stated that residents in the area feel neglected compared to communities in other parts of eastern Uganda that have received government interventions following disasters.
Minister of State for Northern Uganda Beatrice Akello Akori urged local leaders in Bukedi to work together to address recurring disasters in the region. During an engagement with district leaders and technical officials, Akori emphasized the importance of collaboration and encouraged Tororo leaders to formally present the latest disaster concerns to the Office of the Prime Minister.
The affected families are still struggling to find accommodation, with the district compiling information on the extent of the damage for submission to the government. The concerns come amid wider discussions about disaster preparedness and government support in the Bukedi sub-region, highlighting the need for urgent assistance and long-term solutions.
Key points
- Over 650 families in Tororo, Uganda, have been left homeless due to hailstorms.
- The district has begun compiling damage reports to submit to the Office of the Prime Minister for emergency assistance.
- Residents are calling for greater government attention to disaster-prone communities in the Bukedi sub-region.
