Hailstorm destroys crop gardens in Bushenyi

Bushenyi, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Residents of four villages in Central division, Isahaka-Bushenyi municipality are counting losses following a hailstorm that destroyed  their crop gardens. The affected villages are Nyarwanya cell, Kayozo, Kikuba, and Matsya.

The hailstorm which hit the district on Wednesday destroyed gardens of maize, sweet potatoes, beans, coffee, and banana plantations. The rains also blew off the roofs of three houses.

Innocent Tumusiime, LCI chairperson for Kikuba village says all the crops that had been planted at the start of the rains were destroyed.

Mauda Muhwezi, the LCI chairperson of Nyarwanya cell says that residents in the area had planted beans, cassava, and potatoes which were all destroyed. He says that the destruction has left residents stranded since they have nothing left to eat.

Jennifer Naijuka, the councilor representing Central Division says that she has started compiling a report that will be presented to the District Council and area Members of Parliament to lobby for relief food from the Office of the Prime Minister.

The heavy rains also caused floods along Kabirisi road in Ishaka town leaving traders counting losses. The affected businesses included hotels, butcheries, kiosks, and retail shops all of which were flooded and other merchandise swept by running water.

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