Hundreds displaced, farmers count losses as R. Kafu bursts its banks

MASINDI, November 14, 2023 – Hundreds of people in the four villages of Kayeera, Kimengo, Kibangya Myeeba, and Nyakarongo in Kimengo Sub-county, Masindi district have been displaced by floods as River Kafu burst its banks.

The floods washed away hundreds of acres of maize, cassava, beans, and groundnuts while domestic animals like cows, goats, sheep, and chicken also died following the floods.

Temporary structures which had been established by the farmers have all been washed away.

Apparently, the people who have been displaced are camped at Kimengo Sub-county headquarters with nothing to eat.

The floods followed a heavy downpour which happened  on Sunday which also left Hoima- Kampala road closed.

According to Mugume, almost half of the sub county is washed away, especially places which are adjacent to the river.

“I have farmer who has lost 40 heads of cattle and another 14. The most destroyed crop is maize. We are expecting acute hunger because maize which is our main food is destroyed,” he added.

He asked the central government to intervene and give them relief, adding that apparently people have camped at the Sub-county with nothing to eat.

James Kabagambe, the LC1 chairperson Nyakarongo village said that he lost over 200 acres of maize plantation, adding that in his area cattle and goats have also been killed by the floods.

Evelyn Nakimuli, who was affected by the floods asked the government to expedite the process of giving them relief items like food, adding that they have nothing to eat.

“We had invested  all the money in farming. Apparently we  have nothing to sustain ourselves,” she said.

Patrick Atahikirwe, a resident of Kimengo  who lost 10 acres of maize said this is not the third time the river has burst its banks, noting it first happened in 1961, 1962 and again 2023.

Steven Bahemuka, a resident of Kimengo village said that it’s has been happening but it wouldn’t reach this level.

“It would flood but it wouldn’t reach this magnitude. This time almost everything has been washed. We are also worried if diseases like cholera and diarrhea,” said Bahemuka who lost 25 acres of maize.

Following the floods, a team from Masindi District Local Government led by Job Byaruhanga, the District Agriculture Officer went to the ground to assess the magnitude of the matter.

He noted that they are going to compile a report and send it to the Office of the Prime Minister for intervention.

https://thecooperator.news/nyamwamba-floods-threaten-kasese-residents-again/

Buy your copy of thecooperator magazine from one of our country-wide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news