Da Dona
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
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- 539
Families in several villages in Bugamba Sub County, Rwampara District, are counting losses after a heavy Monday evening downpour destroyed houses, banana plantations and other crops.
The storm affected residents in Kitoha, Bushoro, Rugorogoro, Misibika, Nyamabare and Nyakibaare villages, leaving some families without shelter and raising fears of food shortages in the coming months.
Residents say some of the destroyed crops were nearing harvest, while others depended on their plantations for both food and income. They are now appealing to government and local leaders for emergency food assistance.
Local leader Moses Kweyunga said the destruction of banana plantations has left families struggling to find food, with some livestock also reportedly killed by the heavy rains.
"Our source of income and food has been destroyed. We ask for help from the Government in this trying moment,” Kweyunga said.
For residents such as Agnes Tuhamirembe, the losses have also brought financial pressure. She says she has bank loans to repay but relied heavily on her banana plantation for income.
“My entire plantation was swept away by floods. I do not know what I will use to feed my children or repay my loans,” Tuhamirembe said.
Assistant Resident District Commissioner Jackline Arisima said an assessment of the affected households has been conducted and appealed to the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness to provide emergency food and seedlings.
She said the assistance should reach affected families early enough because many households currently have little or nothing to eat.
Local leaders are also calling for a long-term disaster preparedness strategy, including encouraging residents to grow more resilient crops, plant trees and embrace value addition to reduce their vulnerability to extreme weather.
Rwampara East MP Charles Ngabirano said communities need to be empowered to better prepare for and recover from such disasters.
