KALANGALA-In the wee hours of Monday, January 20, 2025, residents of the Bubeke-Lwazi landing site in Bubeke Island, Kalangala District, were left homeless and devastated after cyclone winds tore through their community, flattening homes and scattering their belongings.
The cyclone impacted over 70 households in the landing site, which is home to more than 2000 residents.
At the landing site, you can see collapsed houses along with scattered timber and iron sheets, most of which are located in the same area.
The houses In Bubeke-Lwazi are makeshift structures constructed from timber and iron sheets. Unfortunately, during strong winds, many of these houses are unable to withstand the conditions.
Faizal Musoke, a local carpenter, was found sitting near the remnants of his house. Scattered around him were pieces of timber and iron sheets that had once made up his home. He and his family were now homeless and waiting for assistance from the government.
Musoke mentioned that local leaders had provided them with some cash to help them while they awaited further support from the government.
Drawing on his carpentry skills, he had begun to salvage what he could from the debris to start reconstructing his house. Unfortunately, many of his neighbours were not as fortunate and remained praying for aid.
“This disaster happened late in the night, sweeping through very many houses and living many of the residents homeless. We are crying and desperate for government’s help. We cried out to our MPs and they have reached out to us with iron sheets and nails to help us rebuild,” said Agnes Nabukenya, the LC1 chairperson of the landing site.
She said for the years they have lived on the landing site, they had never experienced such a devastating wind. “The government should give us trees so that we can plant them as a precaution to break down the speed at which the winds since the island is mostly open.”
MPs bring aid
On Saturday, January 25, 2025, Helen Nakimuli, the Woman Member of Parliament (MP) for Kalangala, and Moses Kabuusu, the MP for Kyamuswa, visited the residents of Bubeke-Lwazi to express their sympathy and offer assistance.
The MPs were welcomed by local leaders and supporters, who cheered as they arrived by speedboat. Some residents were already seated in designated meeting areas, eager to hear from their representatives.
During their visit, the MPs brought 200 iron sheets and nails to help the affected locals begin rebuilding their makeshift homes. They emphasised that the most urgent need was the iron sheets, as many homes in the area are constructed using them.
Nyanza Evergreen Waterways, a water transportation company on Lake Victoria, also provided one tonne of posho to the affected locals.
“We apologise for not being able to protect you from this disaster, but the good thing, it didn’t take any lives. We are going to work together and rebuild your homes,” said MP Kabuusu.
He said that they had told the government about the disaster in the area, but I was taking time. “If you wait for the government to respond, the aid might never come; that’s why we have come together to bring you support.”
‘Plant more trees’
Woman MP Nakimuli expressed gratitude that those who lost their property in the recent disaster were still alive. She emphasised the importance of preventing such disasters in the future, suggesting the need to plant more trees.
“I have started a campaign to distribute trees. For every tree you cut down, please plant another to help mitigate these catastrophes,” she urged.
Additionally, she noted that providing basic food items like posho and beans to victims isn’t the most effective support. Instead, she stressed that essential materials, such as iron sheets, would be of greater help.
Govt to provide food aid
Henry Lubulwa, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Kalangala District, said they would be delivering 54 bags of maize flour and 27 bags of beans to the residents affected by the disaster at the landing site on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.
He dismissed claims that the government was slow to assist those in need, stating that leaders should take responsibility and communicate with the disaster ministry to ensure immediate relief efforts.
Additionally, he emphasized the government’s serious stance on illegal tree cutting, indicating that they would collaborate with other government agencies to apprehend individuals involved in deforestation on the islands.
