KAMULI- The opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) officials led by President Patrick Oboi Amuriat and Vice President for Eastern Proscovia Salaamu-Musumba were on Wednesday, May 8, in Buyende district to deliver relief items to people recently displaced after a devastating hailstorm.
A total of 18 people died and hundreds were displaced after a storm-ravaged six villages of Kabugudho A & B, Nakabembe A & B and Nabweyo A & B in Buyende and others in Kamuli District about two weeks ago.
FDC officials on Wednesday delivered sacks of posho, beans, cups, plates and other items to hundreds of victims who had gathered in Kidera Sub County, Buyende district.
According to FDC, one of their trucks was confiscated by police and Army before crossing the Nile.
“Our team is on the ground to ensure that relief items are not stolen by errant security officers,” the party said in a statement.
“The situation in the affected villages is wanting as many houses were destroyed by a storm that is suspected to be a typhoon while a significant number lost their lives. The Party continues to appeal to all Ugandans and agencies to go to Kidera Sub County Buyende district and commiserate with communities and deliver relief to the affected communities. One Uganda, One People,” FDC added.
The donation comes after victims said they are still in urgent need of support despite receiving some relief items from Government following the April 22 incident.
Recently, government, through the Minister of Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Mr Musa Ecweru and the Minister of State for Karamoja Affairs, Mr Moses Kizige, donated to the victims 200 bags of maize flour, 100 bags of beans, 100 saucepans and 500 mosquito nets. Each bereaved family was given UGX500, 000 to help in burial arrangements.
Mr. Muhammad Nabeta, a victim, said unless Government intervenes, the situation they are living in is still alarming.
“I’m taking care of eight people including the wife and children of my brother who perished in the floods. Their house was destroyed beyond recognition and is currently sleeping outside under the tents,’’ he said.
During her thanksgiving prayers at Bugembe Cathedral in Jinja on Sunday, Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga attacked Government for what she called its negligence of Buyende victims, by giving them ‘little support’.
