Several families in Kahendero I Cell of Kahendero Ward in Muhokya Town Council, Kasese District, are facing homelessness after a violent storm ripped the roofs off their houses.
The storm occurred following light showers on a Saturday night.
Ms. Grace Kabona, one of the affected individuals, expressed her distress, explaining that the incident not only left her family without shelter but also caused significant damage to their belongings, including plates, saucepans, jerrycans, and important documents.
The storm struck at around 11 pm, with strong winds suddenly lifting their roof into the night sky, according to Ms. Kabona.
Fortunately, none of the seven occupants in her house were injured.
Despite their exposed situation, Ms. Kabona and her family had to endure the cold without shelter throughout the night.
A 70-year-old woman, Hadijah Masika, faced a similar predicament as her roof was also torn off.
Her semi-permanent house is still standing, but she has no alternative shelter and expressed doubts about having the funds to replace the roof.
Mr. Juma Alube, the local council chairperson for the area, also had his house partially damaged by the storm. He emphasized the difficulties faced by the affected families and the vulnerability of the eleven houses now without roofs.
The village is situated near a wild sanctuary close to the lake shore, exposing these families to potential attacks from wild animals in the Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Mr. Alube raised concerns about health, noting that one of the latrines had collapsed during the storm, posing a risk of water runoff contaminating the lake, the primary water source for the community, and potentially leading to a cholera outbreak.
Earlier this month, Minister of State for Environment, Ms. Beatrice Anywar, issued a warning to residents in disaster-prone areas, urging them to temporarily relocate to safer locations.
She highlighted the risk of flash floods and mudslides in some areas as the rainy season progresses, particularly in Kasese and Bundibugyo districts.
The Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA) had forecasted enhanced rainfall above normal and warned of potential health risks, including increased cases of malaria, diarrhea, asthma attacks, and various waterborne diseases due to heavy rains.