Hailstorm wrecks Kalangala, three killed
“It is still raining heavily, and the medical team is doing its best to handle the situation,” Kasirye stated.
A powerful hailstorm has battered Kalangala, villages a Police Station and its barracks down. (Credit: Uganda Red Cross)
By Samuel Nkuba
Journalists @New Vision
KALANGALA - Police say a devastating hailstorm hit their Kalangala District Police at Bugala Island today, March 15, 2025, at around 7:21am.
The storm, which originated from the eastern side of Kalangala, caused significant damage to the police barracks, leaving almost all officers' accommodations destroyed and part of the station's administration roof torn off.
"Sadly, three lives have been lost in the tragedy, identified as D/Sgt Michale Mujasi, and two other civilians yet to be identified while several other officers and members of the community sustained serious injuries," said Twaha Kasirye, the Masaka Regional Police Spokesperson in a statement.
He added, "The injured personnel have been rushed to Kalangala Health Centre IV for medical attention, while the bodies of the deceased have been retrieved and conveyed to Kalangala Hospital mortuary."
Severe thunderstorm characterized by heavy rain, and strong winds (gusty), ravaged the island in the wee hours of Saturday, March 15. (Photos by Uganda Red Cross)
Uganda Red Cross Society speaks out
Uganda Red Cross spokesperson, Irene Nakasita in a phone interview with New Vision Online characterised the havoc as a severe thunderstorm.
Nakasita identified the dead civilians as Hassan Wasswa, a barber, and Geoffrey Ssekiwere, a builder.
"Thirteen casualties have been referred to Kalangala Health Centre IV to receive treatment because this storm hit several houses, and they collapsed on people. Our Red Cross emergency teams are already on ground, supporting the affected people, but also conducting an assessment of the entire area that has been affected," stated Nakasita.
She added that they are in touch with the government through the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and that a detailed update will be availed before close of business today.
"Areas that have so far been affected include Kifufu, Kanyogoga, Bugara, and Mwena villages. So, once our team rounds up these areas, I'm sure we shall have a complete assessment report then," she remarked.
Local leaders cry out
"It’s a sad morning indeed! Kalangala Town Council has befallen a disaster this morning! A cyclone wind has hit and destroyed many houses, leaving the Kalangala police station down with some policemen dead, and other lives lost! Kalangala needs urgent help." reads a post from Hellen Nakimuli, the MP Kalangala.
Christopher Lubuye whose car and two hoses have been demolished says they had heavy wind blowing and decided to remain in their houses for safety.
“Eventually, we saw roofs flying from our houses and later we had like walls collapsing and we decided to hide in blankets,” narrated Lubuye while crying.
Visiting the affected areas, Bujumba Constituency Legislator Julius Mukasa Opondo appealed to the office of the Prime Minister to respond immediately so that affected people get relief.
“I have never seen this before and we need quick intervention from the government,” he said.
Henry Ssebunya, the Deputy Resident Commissioner told New Vision Online that they have already engaged OPM under their disaster management to respond immediately.
Currently, roads are closed due to heavy logs of trees that fell during the rainstorm, power lines were left on ground and people’s houses.