Farmers count losses in Rwimi sub county as hailstorm destroys gardens

Bunyangabu, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Farmers in Rwimi sub county, Bunyangabu district are counting losses after a hailstorm ravaged their gardens.

This follows days of heavy rains experienced in the district since Saturday, affecting Gatyanga and Nyabwina parishes in Rwimi town council. 60 acres of crops especially bananas were destroyed.

Godwin Baluku from Nyabwina A, says the magnitude of the destruction is likely to trigger food shortages and affect livelihood earnings.

Gerald Aine, one of the affected farmers estimates to have lost over 20 million shillings he was expecting from his plantation between now and October. He expressed concern that households could lack what to eat since they have already been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sadress Kembabazi, another farmer in the area says they are at a threat of hunger because the hailstorm destroyed their banana plantations, which are the source of income to many households in the area. She appeals to the government to help them with seeds for planting this season to avert the likelihood of an outbreak of famine.

Simpson Akampurira, the LCI chairperson Kanyasi village says more than 30 residents in the village were affected.

Akampurira adds that most of the farmers have been relying on loans with hopes of gradually paying using their gardens.

Abel Ngomayondi, the Rwimi LC III chairperson appealed to the government and well-wishers to provide the farmers with food relief and seeds because of the looming famine.

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