MBARARA -The government of Uganda through the Office of the Prime Minister has reached out to over five villages of Nyakayojo division which were devastated by a hailstorm in early September.
The villages included; Nyakasya, Rwakishakizi, Rucece, Busyaamo, and Rucence which received 600 bags of rice and each homestead was given 25kgs to be able to get what to feed on for the time being.
During the handover ceremony of the rice on Friday morning that happened at Nyakayojo division head offices were led by Emmy Kateera the deputy RDC Mbarara, Michael Tusiime Member of parliament for Mbarara municipality, Mayor Robert Kakyebezi, Town clerk Francis Balabanawe, DISO, LC1 chairmen and area Councilors.
Michael Tusiime while speaking to the affected residents said after the tragedy, he received various calls from residents and area leaders who had wanted his intervention in ensuring that they get relief food aid from the government.
He noted that they did not rush immediately to visit homes after they were hit by hail storm since they had nothing to offer.
“We agreed as leaders that before we go to visit affected homes with empty hands, let me first make a request in the office of the prime minister but good enough the request was granted but we shared the aid with the Bududa people who also suffered the same catastrophe, so I was given 600 bags,” he said.
He added, “I hope if other regions had no similar problems, am sure were going to get more aid but I want to implore you to be thankful with the little we managed to get”
Tusiime attributed to these catastrophic incidents to human activities which have not spared wetlands and forests. “This incident in Nyakayojo has been repetitive, about five months ago, the same happened so it’s a general reoccurrence which is a consequence of mishandling of environmental issues.
He appealed to the residents to stop environmental degradation which end results leave many people homeless with no food.
Emmy Kateera the deputy RDC Mbarara also echoed the same that such calamities are a result of human activities which have left wetlands and forest depleted.
“All the valleys which are supposed to give us good rain were encroached on and hills are bare so I want to call upon you and the division leadership to put much emphasis in protecting the environment” said Kateera.
He added, “we cannot keep bringing food to people who have failed to preserve the environment which is supposed to bring good rain, you instead receive rain from other parts of the country not yours”
Jomo Mugabi the Chairman Nyakayojo Division sounded a warning to residents and LC1 chairmen to ensure that the rice is not sold to shop owners.
“Am aware there are men who have intentions of selling this rice and get money for waragi, I dare you to do that, LC1 chairmen are on the lookout, this rice should help families to survive,” warned Mugabi.
