By: Ismael Kasooha
KALANGALA
Government through the Office of the Prime Minister has fulfilled the pledge made by President Yoweri Museveni to the people in Kalangala were hit by a strong storm.
The President made the promise when Kalangala Town Council was hit by a strong storm in March this year where four people died and 33 others were injured and houses erased.
His Excellency sent the State Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and refugees. Lillian Aber immediately after the incident.
A total of 250 households were affected including Kalangala Police Station where even a wife of a Police Officer also lost her life.
Gen. Katumba Wamala, the works and transport minister flanked by the state minister for Disaster preparedness, relief and Refugees and other officials while in Kalangala District
Government immediately delivered food to the affected people and the President promised to commiserate with the people of Kalangala.
On Wednesday, the Office of the Prime Minister delivered 7,440 iron sheets to assist the people erect houses that were erased by the storm.
The President sent sh.5m to each of the four families that lost their dear ones and sh1m to each individual of the 33 people who were injured during the storm.
The money was delivered by Hon. Lillian Aber was handed over by Gen. Katumba Wamala, the Minister for Works and Transport at Kalangala District Headquarters.
Aber appealed to the people of Kalangala to support the NRM Government and President Yoweri Museveni.
Gen. Katumba Wamala implored the people of Kalangala to appreciate the President for always supporting them and loving them.
Katumba assured the people in Kalangala that the Ferry that was plying the Bukakata route would continue operations.
The people who were affected by the cyclone lauded President Yoweri Museveni and the NRM government for addressing the plight of the people in Kalangala.
The RDC Kalangala Fred Badda said that cyclones were a common phenomenon but action must be taken.
The Woman MP Kalangala Hellen Nakimuli implored the government to always prioritise issues affecting the people and challenged the local people to protect the environment.
A group of some of the beneficiaries of the Kalangala Cyclone with Ministers and local leaders
The Commissioner for Disaster Preparedness and Management in the Office of the Prime Minister, Mr. Davis Mwenyi expressed concern that some people forget the role the government plays in ensuring that they are safe.
The March storm , described by residents as cyclone-like, destroyed over 200 houses, including the Kalangala Central Police Station and officers’ quarters. The dead were identified as Detective Sergeant Michael Mujaasi, his wife Allen Mujaasi, fishermen Godfrey Ssekiwere, and Hassan Wasswa. Dozens of others were injured and rushed to local Health Centres.
Relief efforts by OPM and the Uganda Red Cross began soon after the disaster, delivering emials to nearly 1,000 affected households. Many residents lergency shelter materials, food, and other essentost all their belongings.
Local leaders said the storm was one of the most destructive weather events to hit Kalangala in recent years, warning that island communities remain highly vulnerable to extreme climate events. Residents called for government-led first aid training to strengthen emergency response in future disasters.
The items were delivered and handed over at Kalangala District Headquarters, Enju Yo We Ssaza (Bazibumbira) Kalangala at the main Island.
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