Death toll from Kalangala storm rises to four

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A deadly storm that tore through Kalangala on Saturday morning has claimed another life, bringing the death toll to four.

Allen Kobusingye Mukyasi succumbed to her injuries at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital, where victims of the storm’s fury were taken for treatment.

Mukyasi, the wife of Corporal Mukyasi, had been critically injured in the storm. Her husband remains in critical condition at the same hospital.

The storm severely damaged Kalangala Central Police Station, destroying 32 uniports. The cyclone-force winds, accompanied by hail, also broke tree branches and caused widespread devastation. (Photo by Samuel Nkuba)

The three other victims have been identified as Geoffrey Ssekiwere, Hassan Wasswa, and Detective Michael Mujaasi.

The storm severely damaged Kalangala Central Police Station, destroying 32 uniports. The cyclone-force winds, accompanied by hail, also broke tree branches and caused widespread devastation.

More than 200 residential houses were unroofed or destroyed, while numerous businesses, including shops and market stalls, were also affected.

Hussein Ddungu, an eyewitness from Kalangala Town Council, recounted hearing an unusual sound while on his way to work.

“Before running back home for safety, I saw a dark, fast-moving ghost-like figure,” he narrated.

Cyclone winds are becoming a recurring disaster in Kalangala. These winds often form just before heavy rainfall, appearing as a rapidly rotating dark mass in the sky, usually over Lake Victoria, sucking up water before moving unpredictably toward land. Upon landfall, they wreak havoc—uprooting trees, demolishing buildings, and scattering debris.

The cyclone-force winds, accompanied by hail, also broke tree branches and caused widespread devastation. (Photo by Samuel Nkuba)

These storms typically last between 10 and 15 minutes.

On March 5 this year, a similar phenomenon struck Lujjabwa landing site, destroying a passenger boat and several homes. Earlier in January, another hit Lwaazi-Bubeke, leaving over 100 fishermen’s houses in ruins.

Adrian Joy Matovu, an elder on Bugala Island in the Ssese Islands, believes deforestation has made human settlements more vulnerable to these storms.

“In the past, thick forests acted as natural barriers, weakening these storms before they could reach our homes. But with increased farming and tree-cutting, the winds now hit settlements with full force,” Matovu explained.

Kalangala woman MP Hellen Nakimuli urged environmental organisations to spearhead reforestation efforts to protect island communities.

The storm severely damaged Kalangala Central Police Station, destroying 32 uniports. The cyclone-force winds, accompanied by hail, also broke tree branches and caused widespread devastation. (Photo by Samuel Nkuba)

“We’re calling on the government to provide building materials so that affected residents can rebuild their homes,” Nakimuli added.

Relief efforts underway

The Uganda Police Force has dispatched aid, including mattresses, bedsheets, blankets, and tents, for the 30 officers whose uniports were destroyed.

“Our engineering and construction team is on the ground to ensure our officers get shelter as soon as possible,” said Masaka regional police spokesperson Twaha Kasirye.

Additionally, the Red Cross has completed an assessment report, and relief supplies are expected to arrive soon.

“We’re coordinating with our office to ensure relief materials are delivered on time,” said Kalangala branch manager Sylvester Ssemugenyi.

Meanwhile, displaced islanders have been temporarily sheltered by friends as plans to rebuild their homes continue.

Several organisations and businesses have stepped in to support the victims.

Brovad Sands Lodge donated 300 kg of maize flour, 100 kg of beans, and 40 iron sheets to affected residents and police officers. (Photo by Samuel Nkuba)

Brovad Sands Lodge has donated 300 kg of maize flour, 100 kg of beans, and 40 iron sheets to affected residents and police officers.

“It’s saddening that our people lost lives, but we’ve decided to offer this small contribution because our business depends on the locals who are currently affected,” said Justine Nakasi, the lodge’s assistant manager.