KALANGALA.
A devastating cyclone on Monday morning struck Lujaabwa Island in Mazinga Sub-county, Kalangala District , causing widespread damage .
The storm, which began around 5:00 am, destroyed property worth over Shs100 million.The is the second storm to hit the island district in a space of one month.
More than 30 homes, 10 businesses, and 15 boats were destroyed by the cyclone, throwing the island’s economy into turmoil. The damage is even more significant as this follows a similar cyclone on March 15, which Kalangala Town Council, flattening homes and the area police barracks.
Among those affected was Wasswa Dennis Seluwudde, whose house was completely destroyed by the fast moving wind .
“We were still asleep when I suddenly felt water falling on me. When I woke up, the house was gone, and all our belongings had been blown away,” he said in an interview on Tuesday
Ms. Florence Nakalyango, an affected islander and mother of a three-year-old child, also lost her home and business.
“The wind began shaking the iron sheets of my house, and in few minutes, the entire roof was blown off . I grabbed my baby and fell to the ground just as the iron sheets fell on us,” she narrated.
Her bar was destroyed, with glass bottles broken and crates scattered in the lake.
For fisherman Geoffrey Senyondo, the loss was personal and economic.
“My boat was my only means of livelihood, and now it’s gone. I have no any other means to support my family or send my children back to school,” he said with his voice filled with despair.
Kalangala District Chairperson Rajab Ssemakula called for urgent government intervention.
“Our people are at rock bottom. All the boats that survived the ealier storm have now been destroyed. We need the Office of the Prime Minister to intervene immediately and help the people of Lujaabwa,” he appealed.
Lujaabwa Island, located near the Tanzanian border, is frequently hit by strong winds due to its rocky terrain and lack of windbreakers like tall trees .
Major cyclone incidents in Kalangala
March 15, 2025 – A powerful cyclone struck Bugala Island, the largest in Kalangala District, causing widespread devastation At least four individuals lost their lives, including a police officer, and over 30 others sustained injuries.
The storm destroyed over 300 homes, collapsed the Kalangala Central Police Station, and damaged schools, businesses, and electricity infrastructure.
In March 2013 ,a cyclone hit Mazinga Island, marking the first such event in the area in 50 years. It destroyed homes, boats, and other property, leaving over 200 people homeless. Ten individuals, primarily children, were injured by falling debris.