Kalangala storm victims get Police aid, govt pledges support

KALANGALA - The Police have run to the aid of the Kalangala storm-affected residents by delivering relief materials including food and non-food materials for the affected officers and tents for temporally accommodation.

During the handover of the materials on March 16, 2025, in Kalangala district, disaster preparedness state minister Lilian Aber said the Government would undertake a scientific study together with Makerere University and the meteorological department on the fatal cyclone winds that hit Kalangala district a day earlier.

The incident caused the death of four people.

According to the district disaster report, these winds and rain affected 992 people in three villages of Kizzi, Kalangala and Buggala of which 642 were females and 350 were male.

A total of 248 houses, including the Police barracks, were ravaged, plus causing havoc on food crops and animals.

During her visit, Aber said they need a long-lasting solution for these cyclone winds, which are tampering with people’s development and also leading to fatalities.

“We hear many theories surrounding these winds; however, as Government, we can’t rely on them unless a scientific study is done to discover the main cause of it, how strong and speedy it can be and provide solutions to avoiding it from massive destruction,” she says.

She added that President Yoweri Museveni has condoled the families that lost their people and promised to contribute shillings five million to every family that lost a relative and one million to those that are critically injured.

“On top of that, the Office of the Prime Minister will bring food as soon as I get back to office on Monday and later, we will procure iron sheets for those whose houses were demolished,” she added.

IGP promises permanent structures

Having ravaged 32 uniports in the Police Barracks and affecting 75 officers, the Inspector General of Police, through commissioner Denis Namuwoza in charge of fire and rescue services, promised to construct permanent structures.

“He has availed relief materials ranging from food and non-food materials for the affected officers to tents for temporary accommodation as different departments are studying the situation on the ground for a permanent solution,” says Namuwoza.

Namuwoza thanked the community members who rescued their officers after being hit by these cyclone winds and heavy downpours.

Red Cross relief

Uganda Red Cross Society spokesperson Irene Nakasiita assured the affected residents that a consignment of relief materials has been delivered and they will be distributed villages per village.

“These include jerricans, knives, tarpaulines, plates, cups and blankets. We also call upon communities to work hand in hand in the restoration of forests since they can be a block to such heavy winds and cyclones,” Nakasiita said.

Resident District Commissioner Fred Badda lauded the Government for the timely response to those stranded by the storm.