KAMPALA.A devastating hailstorm which swept through villages in Mityana Municipality has left a trail of destruction with two schools deroofed and several houses razed.
The storm, which tore off roofs also uprooted trees .
Naama trading center was among the hardest-hit areas in Busimbi Sub County , where residents described scenes of chaos and fear.
Naama Demonstration School suffered extensive damage, with classroom blocks losing roofs while pupils were attending lessons . Primary Seven pupils narrowly escaped death , but lost most of their personal effects , including bedding and study materials.
“The children were terrified. We are grateful no one was injured, but everything is in ruins ,” said a teacher at the school.
Naama Secondary School and Naama UMEA Primary School also sustained severe structural damage. In the nearby trading center, families scrambled to salvage property as their homes were left roofless.
Mityana Municipality Mayor, Faustino Mukambwe Lukonge led a team of local officials to inspect the affected areas. “We have seen the destruction with our own eyes. The children of Naama Demonstration School have nowhere to study from, and families are crying out for help.
We are going to raise this matter urgently with central government,” the mayor said.
Erick Kinobe, Deputy Technical Chairperson of the municipality, expressed concern over the timing of the disaster. “The storm has disrupted the academic calendar.
Primary Seven candidates are preparing for national examinations, and now we must find quick solutions to ensure learning continues,” he said.
Residents have appealed to the government for immediate assistance, including emergency relief and support for rebuilding. “We have lost shelter, food, and school materials. We are pleading for help,” said a resident of Naama village.
Local authorities are conducting a full damage assessment and have indicated they will seek support from national disaster preparedness offices.