The Resident District Commissioner for Kalangala Hon Fred Badda has, together with the leadership of the Uganda Police Force, received more humanitarian aid from the Uganda Police Leadership for the affected cyclone victims in Kalangala.
A cyclone storm on Saturday morning hit residents in Kalangala District, leaving many homeless. The cyclone also hit hard the Uganda Police Force, leaving the institution without shelter for 70 Police officers and damaging the Central Police Station headquarters.
Up to 992 people were affected by the storm, both directly and indirectly. Four people died instantly, two of whom were from the Police fraternity.
The District Disaster Committee led by the RDC Fred Badda and CAO Frederick Ssemwogerere have been coordinating humanitarian aid from the Office of the Prime Minister and the subsidiary ministry of Disaster Preparedness.
The RDC who has from the time of the incident been coordinating with the area Minister, General Edward Katumba Wamala been able to receive aid from the Uganda Police who brought in tents, food and other relief materials for the people in the Island district.
On Monday morning, Police, through the RDC, handed over one ton of maize flour, half a ton of beans, two cartons of soap, and 50-man sleep tends for the affected people.
Also, 33 bags of posho, 11 bags of beans, 50 kilograms sugar, 50 kilograms of rice, and 10 cartons of tinned beans, among other utilities were left for the Uganda Police, including tents.
“We appreciate all efforts, and like we have been communicating with different stakeholders, the Uganda Red Cross Society is bringing in more food relief and other necessities for the population.” Hon. Badda says.
On Sunday, the Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness Lilian Aber, together with RDC Fred Badda, MPs Helen Nakimuli (Kalangala Woman), Julius Mukasa Opondo and the District Chairperson visited some of the affected communities to ascertain the magnitude of the damage for government to immediately address the needs of the Islanders.
The Uganda Red Cross Society, in liaison with the Office of the RDC – Kalangala and the Woman Member of Parliament, Helen Nakimuli, has also confirmed taking Humanitarian aid to the people and will be deliberating more to the communities to start a new life.
Irene Nakasiita, the Public Relations Officer for Uganda Red Cross Society confirmed that Kalangala residents deserve immediate support so as to prevent further damage.
“We have completed our assessment and shall be delivering aid to our people earliest as transportation vehicles reach Kalangala,” she said.
Also, local entrepreneurs including Brovad Sands Lodge and Oil Palm Uganda Limited have constantly been giving aid to the affected communities from the time the incident happened.
The cyclone is said to have been a result of the continued cutting down of trees in the District, leaving an indelible mark on the island environment.
The Office of the RDC and the DISO’s office have committed to curbing deforestation in the district. This is the third cyclone to hit the people of Kalangala in a period of two months.
