NTUNGAMO, UGANDA – The cyclonic rain windstorm that struck with little warning has left local traders and residents in Rubaare Town Council, Ntungamo District, reeling from significant financial losses after it ripped roofs off buildings and uprooted massive trees.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The most severe damage was reported along the Kyempene-Kisiizi road, particularly near Rubaare Health Centre IV, where several mature trees with buttress roots were uprooted, blocking roads and damaging property.
The storm’s ferocity was especially cruel to the business community, targeting temporary structures that housed small-scale enterprises.
Among those devastated is Mr. Festo Tuguma, a furniture dealer in Rubaare I cell, Kagango ward, who watched helplessly as the storm destroyed his temporary workshop and the inventory inside.
He estimates his losses at over UGX 5 million, describing the incident as a huge setback for his family and business.
“I have lost everything I worked for. My temporary structure that sheltered my furniture was completely destroyed. I estimate my losses at over UGX 5 million. This is a huge setback for my family and my business,” Mr. Tuguma lamented.
At the boda boda stage along the Kyempene-Kisiizi road, riders are counting the cost of damaged infrastructure after the winds flattened their shelter.
More painfully, Mr. Asaph Mwebembezi, a rider at the stage, explained that the streetlight they had collectively funded and erected using their savings was also destroyed.
Meanwhile, Rubaare Town Council Town Clerk, Mr. Emmanuel Byamukama, acknowledged the severity of the catastrophe and confirmed that emergency teams have been deployed to clear roads blocked by fallen trees.
He stated that authorities are aware of the destruction and are currently focusing on clearing the roads to restore access for motorists and residents.
“We are aware of the destruction and are currently focusing on clearing the roads that were blocked by fallen trees. Our immediate priority is to ensure the safety of road users and restore normal traffic flow,” said Byamukama.
Byamukama emphasized that the council is assessing the full extent of the damage and will be planning the next steps regarding the remaining tree species along the road to prevent future incidents.
The Ministry of Water and Environment, through the Department of Meteorological Services, had earlier issued a forecast indicating near-normal rainfall for most parts of the country in its March to May 2026 Seasonal Climate Outlook.
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