Disaster struck Kalangala as homes were destroyed after the cyclonic winds swept through the Lwaazí-Bubeke landing site in Kalangala District, leaving around 300 residents without a place of shelter.
Mr. Dube Sinobayo, an affected resident, tearily narrated his ordeal, saying, “My house had three rooms, but they were all razed to the ground. I used to keep my chickens and goats in another room, which also got damaged, and I don’t know where the birds and animals are.”
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Mr. Mustafa Minjo, the secretary of Lwazi village, said many households have been left in the extremes. “It is a disaster that calls for the government’s swift intervention. We pray that the victims get the necessary assistance,” he said.
The area MP, Moses Kabuusu, further expressed frustration over the slow response of the Office of the Prime Minister.
“Each time we seek help, we are told the government cannot rebuild homes but can only provide food relief like maize flour and beans, which take up to six months to arrive. This time, we request that relief be delivered quickly so that our people can at least have food as we look for ways of constructing their houses,” he accused.
However, Kalangala District Disaster Focal Person, David Omongoti, said a technical team from the district, Office of the Prime Minister, and Uganda Red Cross Society was yet to arrive in the area to assess the damage.
Kalangala District Chairperson Rajab Semakula slammed the Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA) for failing to give timely weather alerts to islanders.
But Yusuf Nsubuga, a representative from UNMA, was quick to blame a technical issue, saying local leaders in Kalangala have to submit their telephone contact details to ease communication.
“We usually send out weather updates at 3am and 3pm. So, let them share with us their telephone contacts, and we shall avail that information to them daily,” he claimed.
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