Over 370 Farmers in Soroti count losses as floods submerge crop fields

SOROTI, August 19, 2024 — Three hundred seventy-nine farmers in Kamuda Sub-county, Soroti district are grappling with significant losses following a surge in the water levels of Lake Kyoga.

The hardest-hit areas include Olobai and Okimai villages, where crops such as cassava, sorghum, millet, and potatoes have been completely submerged by floodwaters. The affected farmers fear a looming famine as their crops have been destroyed, prompting appeals for government assistance in the form of relief food.

Joseph Ebanu, the LCIII Chairperson for Kamuda Sub-county, reported that many families are struggling with severe food shortages, having lost both their crops and some livestock. “People are suffering because the water has devastated all their crops in the gardens,” Ebanu said. He urged both the government and non-governmental organisations to provide aid to the affected communities.

Julius Elianu, the LCI Chairperson for Okimai village, expressed deep concern over the potential for hunger-related deaths if government intervention does not occur. He suggested that the government provide seeds so farmers can replant in areas not affected by the floods, noting that the rainy season is still ongoing.

Samuel Emenyu, one of the affected farmers, described the dire situation on his farms of potatoes, cassava, and millet. With 23 children to care for, Emenyu finds the burden of feeding his family overwhelming and is calling on the government for urgent assistance. “The government should come and assess the situation; the damage is extensive, and I don’t know where to turn for help,” Emenyu said.

Moses Echeku Okello, the Soroti District Agricultural Officer, acknowledged the widespread impact of the flooding in Kamuda Sub-county. “We have received reports of extensive crop damage due to the floods,” Echeku said.

The official urged farmers to dig channels to help drain water from their gardens and to seek out other fields in neighboring areas to plant additional crops. “The rains are here, so please ask your neighbors for a piece of land to make use of the current rainfall,” Echeku added.

https://thecooperator.news/floods-displace-hundreds-in-butaleja-district/