MPs have called for urgent government intervention as hailstorms, floods, damaged bridges and human-wildlife conflicts continue to threaten lives, destroy property and disrupt livelihoods in different parts of Uganda.
Speaking to Bbeg Media at Parliament, the legislators described the growing impact of the disasters on their constituencies and asked government ministries to provide relief to affected communities.
Lilian Ruteraho, the Isingiro District Woman MP, said hailstorms had destroyed crops, houses and schools in Ngarama, Isingiro Town Council, Ntungu, Kagarama and Kambizi sub-counties.
She said many households depended on bananas as their staple food and main source of income, leaving them vulnerable after the destruction of their plantations.
“Since our staple food is matooke, our people have been left without food and shelter. The situation has become worse for my people,” Ruteraho said.
Janet Auma, the Amolatar District Woman MP, also raised concern over extensive hailstorm damage, particularly in Aromi Parish, where she said residents had lost much of what they owned.
Auma reported that a cow had been killed and a primary school in Awero Sub-county destroyed. She said pupils had been forced to study in a church whose roof was leaking.
She added that families had lost their homes and iron sheets, while crops and livestock had also been affected.
George Musisi, the Kira Municipality MP, highlighted flooding in Kimbejja Village, which he attributed to blocked drainage channels. He called for action to address the drainage problem and prevent further damage.
Chris Wataka Matembu, the Bubulo West MP, raised concern over a broken bridge in his constituency, saying it had made the movement of people and goods difficult.
Geoffrey Ocen, the Kioga North MP, called on the government to provide farmers with seedlings to help them prepare for the next planting season after floods destroyed crops.
Government Chief Whip Jane Ruth Achieng advised MPs to submit their concerns in writing to the ministry responsible for disaster preparedness and follow up to ensure action is taken.
On damaged bridges, State Minister for Transport Julius Maganda said government had secured funding to construct 19 bridges across the country. He promised to have the affected bridge considered for inclusion on the construction list.
Other MPs, including Oyam South MP Patrick Obura, Richard Ongorok and Nyowa District Woman MP Christine Lanyero, raised concerns about human-wildlife conflict, reporting deaths and crop destruction caused by wild animals.
Obura said animals had crossed from game reserves and attacked communities in four sub-counties bordering a game park in his constituency.
Tourism Minister Susan Nakawuki, who represents Mawokota South, said her ministry was aware of incidents in Katakwi, Agago and other areas. ‘
She said the ministry was working with the Uganda Wildlife Authority to compensate affected families and address land issues involving designated grazing areas.
Meanwhile, Kyaka Central MP Tom Bright Amooti reported deadly attacks in his constituency, saying 14 people had been killed, including five in Nkanja Sub-county. He appealed to the ministries responsible for internal affairs and defence to intervene and protect residents.
Nakaseke North MP Prof Wilber Ahabwe raised fears of eviction among seven families that he said had occupied their land for about 30 years.
Ahabwe questioned the legality of the planned evictions, arguing that a court order from the High Court in Kampala was being contested because the dispute was before the High Court in Luweero.
