Kalangala residents continue to receive government support following the devastating cyclone that hit Bugala Island on 15 March, claiming four lives and destroying hundreds of homes.
On Wednesday, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) delivered 7,440 iron sheets to affected households, alongside cash compensation of Shs 5 million to each of the four families who lost loved ones and Shs 1 million to each of the 33 injured survivors. Distribution of the iron sheets was determined based on the extent of damage to individual homes.
The handover ceremony took place at Kalangala District Headquarters, Enju Yo We Ssaza (Bazibumbira), and was led by Lillian Aber, Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness and Relief, alongside Katumba Wamala, Minister of Works and Transport, and Commissioner Mwinye Davis from the OPM Disaster Department.
Other leaders in attendance included Helen Nakimuli, District Woman MP for Kalangala, and Resty Nakawungu, Vice Chairperson LC5.
The cyclone, described by locals as “cyclone-like,” destroyed over 200 houses, including the Kalangala Central Police Station and officers’ quarters. The fatalities included Detective Sergeant Michael Mujaasi and his wife Allen Mujaasi, fisherman Godfrey Ssekiwere, and Hassan Wasswa. Many others sustained injuries and were treated at local health centres.
Relief efforts began immediately after the disaster, with OPM and the Uganda Red Cross providing emergency shelter materials, food, and essentials to nearly 1,000 households. Despite this, many families lost all their belongings.
Local officials warn that island communities remain highly vulnerable to extreme weather events and called for government-led first aid training to improve emergency preparedness.
Residents described the March storm as one of the most destructive in recent memory, emphasizing the urgent need for stronger disaster response measures.
