A cyclone that swept through the Bubeke-Lwazi landing site in Bubeke Island, Kalangala District, in the early hours of Monday, January 20, 2025, has left a trail of destruction, with over 70 households affected and more than 2000 residents displaced.
The cyclone’s strong winds flattened homes and scattered belongings, with many makeshift houses constructed from timber and iron sheets unable to withstand the conditions.
At the landing site, the aftermath of the disaster is evident, with collapsed houses and scattered timber and iron sheets strewn all over the area. The houses in Bubeke-Lwazi are mostly makeshift structures constructed from timber and iron sheets, which are no match for strong winds.
Fiazal Musoke, a local carpenter, was found sitting near the remnants of his house, surrounded by pieces of timber and iron sheets that had once made up his home. He and his family are now homeless and waiting for assistance from the government.
Musoke said 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.
However, many of his neighbours were not as fortunate and remained in dire need of aid. “This disaster happened late at night, sweeping through very many houses and leaving many of the residents homeless. We are crying and desperate for government’s help,” said Agnes Nabukenya, the LC1 chairperson of the landing site.
Nabukenya said the community had never experienced such a devastating wind disaster before. “The government should give us trees so that we can plant them as a precaution to break down the speed at which the winds come, since the island is mostly open,” she added.
On Saturday, January 25, 2025, Helen Nakimuli, the Woman Member of Parliament 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 emphasized 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 apologize for not being able to protect you from this disaster, but the good thing is that it didn’t take any lives. We are going to work together and rebuild your homes,” said MP Kabuusu.
Kabuusu said they had informed the government about the disaster, but it was taking time to respond. “If you wait for the government to respond, the aid might never come; that’s why we have come together to bring you support,” he added.
Woman MP Nakimuli expressed gratitude that those who lost their property in the recent disaster were still alive. She emphasized 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.
Nakimuli also 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.
Henry Lubulwa, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Kalangala District, said the government 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.
Lubulwa 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.
He also 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.
