RUBIRIZI, September 22, 2025 – The skies have turned against the people of Magambo Subcounty in Rubirizi district. A recent hailstorm, a violent mix of heavy rain and fierce winds, has left widespread devastation in its wake, destroying homes, banana plantations, and vital cash crops such as coffee. More than 500 households have been affected, and an emergency food relief initiative is now underway to avert a looming food crisis.
Swift local response
In a prompt and compassionate response, local leader Jeniva Nalongo distributed over 1,500 kilograms of posho to families in six of the worst-hit villages: Kyema, Nyakihanda, Bugaya, Butezi, Busonga, and Butoha. Each of the 500+ affected households received a 10-kilogram bag of posho, a crucial lifeline in the face of an immediate food shortage.
“The people of Magambo have suffered greatly from this disaster,” Nalongo said while handing over relief supplies at Bugaya Parish Headquarters. “I appeal to the government to release more PDM funds and ensure SACCOs support families, rather than burden them with loan repayments during such a difficult time.”
Nalongo, the NRM flag bearer for Woman Member of Parliament, stressed the urgent need for support, noting that many families had lost their livelihoods and are now struggling to meet basic needs, including school fees. She called on banks and Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations [SACCOs] to delay loan recoveries and urged school leaders to show leniency towards affected students.
A Call for government intervention
Local leaders echoed Nalongo’s concerns, confirming the scale of the destruction. Lawrence Tugabirwe, LC1 Chairperson of Bugaya I, and Molly Kinjinia, Vice Chairperson of Magambo Subcounty, both expressed gratitude for the emergency aid, while stressing the need for broader government intervention.
“Without urgent support, families in Magambo face a future of food insecurity, poverty, and rising domestic violence,” warned Tugabirwe. He called on the government to conduct a comprehensive damage assessment and to deliver further assistance promptly.
The food relief was delivered by a team led by Innocent Byamukama, who mobilised their own resources to support the community. “Magambo is known for supplying food to the entire district, but the storm has left many households in despair,” Byamukama said. “We appeal to the government to act swiftly and provide additional aid.”
Building long-term resilience
Looking beyond the immediate crisis, Nalongo also urged the community to adopt sustainable farming and disaster preparedness practices. She encouraged residents to protect their gardens through mulching and tree planting.
“Every household should plant at least three trees around their home,” she advised. “Fruit trees like mangoes and avocados not only act as windbreaks but also help prevent soil erosion and can offer food and income.”
As the people of Magambo begin the difficult task of rebuilding, calls for both urgent relief and a long-term resilience strategy continue to grow. The storm has left more than just physical destruction, it has exposed the vulnerability of rural communities who depend on the land for survival.
https://thecooperator.news/kapchorwa-farmers-count-losses-after-hailstorm-destroys-crops/
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