Hailstorm devastates Hectares of Plantations, locals seek quick help from Government

Amos Tayebwa

Mbarara

Locals from Nyakayojo, Mbarara City South Division in Mbarara City count losses of millions of money in farming and are yet to starve after severe hailstorm destroyed their hectares of crops and properties.

This disaster has caused panic among the residents and farmers who are scared of impending hunger.

The most affected were the gardens of banana plantation, cassava and coffee. This disaster occurred last night on Monday that left most farmers, especially parents who are worried about what they will serve their children and where they will get the money to pay the outstanding loans.

According to information, about 10 cells from Nyakayojo were badly hit by heavy rain and wind.

Among these include Rwenkoma A cell, Nyakabungo-Nyamiyaga cell, Rwenkoma B, Nyakagando A and B, Nyakakoni A and B cells, Rukindo among others.

Muzamiru Matovu, Councilor representing Kakindo ward in Mbarara City South Division Council appealed to the higher level Leaders like the Area Mps to extend their voices and efforts through the office of the ministry of Disaster and preparedness to the Prime Minister Robina Nabanja to ensure there is quick intervention towards helping the worried farmers.

He said that most of the farmers who are in these areas get school fees from their gardens and plantations, they also get money from their gardens to buy home necessities and it’s where they get the loans which they borrow to sustain their gardens and plantations. He added that Rwenkoma alone has lost about 10,000 branches of matooke.

Jomo Mugabe, a prominent Farmer from Kakindo Nyakayojo and the Division Mayor Mbarara City South Division is in tears after losing about five hectares of Banana plantations.

Wiliam Mugisha, the LC1 Chairman Rwenkoma ward revealed that at first there was a threatening wind that blew down banana plantations, then later after like 30 minutes there came severe rain with snow that washed away most of the plantations.

He said that in his village about 120 families were affected. He therefore asked the Office of Prime minister and the Office of Disaster and preparedness to come and help out the families that encountered this crisis.