Henry Lubulwa, Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Kalangala has urgently called for government intervention to assist affected residents and rebuild the town after a devastating thunderstorm struck the island district on Saturday, causing widespread destruction, including significant damage to the Kalangala Central Police Station (CPS).
The thunderstorm, characterized by heavy rainfall and powerful gusty winds, resulted in loss of lives, injuries, and extensive property damage.
Lubulwa emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that the storm has left an indelible mark on the community, with the town requiring substantial reconstruction to restore normal operations.
“The winds have caused immense damage to Kalangala, and the town now needs urgent reconstruction to enable residents to resume their daily activities. We appeal to the government and stakeholders, including the Uganda Red Cross Society, to intervene and provide the necessary support,” Lubulwa said.
In response to the crisis, the Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) has deployed a rapid response team to assess the situation on the ground. Irene Nakasiita, URCS Communications Officer, confirmed that the team is coordinating with the Office of the Prime Minister, particularly with Hon. Lilian Aber, to keep the government informed of developments and identify areas requiring immediate assistance.
Nakasiita also provided an update on the human toll of the disaster. Preliminary reports indicate that three people have lost their lives, including Hassan Waswa, a local barber; Geoffrey Sekiwere, a porter; and an unnamed police officer at the Sergeant (SGT) level. Additionally, 13 individuals sustained injuries and have been referred to Kalangala Health Centre IV (HCIV) for treatment.
As the situation continues to unfold, authorities and humanitarian organizations are working to provide relief and support to the affected community and further updates are expected as assessments progress and additional aid is mobilized.
This is a developing story. More details will be shared as they become available.
