Kalangala Cyclone Aftermath: Gov’t Delivers Shs53m & 7,440 Iron Sheets To Victims

#IvanKaahwaReports

53 individuals from Kalangala have received relief in the form of iron sheets and cash from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM). These are among the families whose homes were damaged by the cyclone that swept through over 250 households on 15th March 2025, affecting four villages. Families that lost a loved one have each received five million shillings while 33 families with an injured relative have each been given one million shillings.

The Ssese Islands have faced several cyclone incidents that have left devastating impacts on the local community. In March 2025, a cyclone struck four villages damaging 250 households and causing loss of life and property.

A cyclone locally known as ensoke is a large powerful storm system that forms over warm waters and is characterized by strong rotating winds.

Four people died including a police officer, while 33 others were injured. The Office of the Prime Minister responded by providing relief food to the affected households who confirmed receipt of the support.

At Kalangala Police Station, over 30 officers’ housing units were swept away leaving only the floors visible. This forced the police to set up tents and rent shelter for other officers. Through the Iinspector General of Police, a budget was made available to construct new housing units. To start, 10 double housing units are being built.

The Office of the Prime Minister has once again delivered 7,440 iron sheets to the affected residents of Kalangala and provided 53 million shillings in cash to the families of the deceased and the injured. Families that lost a loved one each received five million shillings while 33 families with an injured relative received one million shillings.

State Minister for Disaster Preparedness and Relief Lillian Aber, Minister of Works and Transport Gen. Katumba Wamala, and Commissioner for Disaster Preparedness and Management Mwenyi Davis delivered the relief at the district headquarters.

Kalangala Woman MP Helen Nakimuli urged the government to prioritize disaster management to ensure an effective response to calamities. She noted that diversion of funds meant for disaster management is the reason Kalangala residents received this relief five months after the incident occurred.

In response, State Minister Aber reiterated that the government supports the Red Cross with direct funding to respond to disasters which ensures swift management as government bureaucracy remains a challenge for quick interventions.

The Resident District Commissioner for Kalangala Fred Badda commended the President for fulfilling his pledge to support the bereaved and injured families. He urged the government to come up with an early warning system for such calamities while encouraging residents to build strong structures and avoid constructing in wind paths. He also advised residents to plant trees that can act as barriers to cyclones.

Gen. Katumba Wamala commended Kalangala leadership for taking care of residents stating that their amplification of the incident prompted a swift response. He also praised the police for remaining steadfast in providing security despite being affected by the cyclones. He urged the affected persons to appreciate the substantial support from the government however small it may seem.

Commissioner Mwenyi Davis emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting citizens during challenging moments. He noted that the OPM has limited staff which is why they collaborate with the Red Cross to provide support during disasters.

The relief effort has not only supported affected residents in Kalangala but has also extended to other islands that were previously hit by natural disasters. #IvanKaahwaReports