Over 100 families left homeless as storm batters Iganga villages

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About 100 families in five villages in Nakigo sub-county have been displaced after a heavy storm, accompanied by strong winds and rainfall, swept through the area and left a trail of destruction, including injuries, damaged homes and destroyed crops.

The storm, which struck at about 5:00 pm on June 8, 2026, lasting about two hours, also damaged infrastructure at Nawanzu Health Centre II, the main health facility serving the subcounty.

The affected villages include Nawanzu, Bukwaya, Kabira, and Bubago, a neighbouring village in Buwaya subcounty in Mayuge district.

Prossy Naigwe one of the victims (L) and whose house roof top was blown off, standing with others in front of the house. (Photo by Ivan Wakibi)

Several residents sustained injuries and were rushed to Iganga Hospital for treatment, while many others were left homeless after their houses were destroyed.

One of the victims, 50-year-old Hanifer Nabirye from Bubago village, said her house collapsed after strong winds blew off the roof, injuring her and her three grandchildren.

Nabirye said debris fell on them as they tried to escape from the collapsing structure. She is currently receiving treatment together with her grandchildren and continues to experience pain from injuries sustained on the head, stomach and legs.

She appealed to the government and well-wishers to assist her in rebuilding her home, noting that she lost all household items in the incident.

Another resident, Faziri Tenywa, also said his house was destroyed, leaving his family without shelter.

Other victims identified include Prossy Naigwe, a mother of eight, and Jamaina Mapeesa, a widow with seven children, both from Nawanzu village, as well as Wilsom Mweweyo, Mawazi Kivayo and Sofia Nampeera, among others.

The storm also destroyed crops including maize, matooke, rice and potatoes, raising fears of food shortages in the affected communities.

The Kabira parish councillor, who also serves as subcounty chairperson, said they are monitoring the situation, noting that more than 100 families have been affected.

Nakigo sub-county LC3chairperson Ayub Bassenga and Musobya (left) standing besides one of the destroyed buildings. (Photo by Ivan Wakibi)

He appealed to the government through the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness and Refugees to urgently intervene with relief assistance, including food and shelter materials, warning that the affected households may face hunger following the destruction of their crops.

Nakigo subcounty chairperson Ayub Bassenga also urged district authorities to formally notify the Office of the Prime Minister about the disaster to facilitate swift intervention, noting that many of the victims are vulnerable.

He further called on the district to prioritise the rehabilitation of the damaged health centre structure to avoid disruptions in service delivery.