HEAVY RAINS RAVAGE CROPS IN RUKUNGIRI

By Edison Kinene

In Rukungiri–

At least 600 people of Kagugu and Kicence Kanyanga and Byara cells in Eastern division Rukungiri Municipality are crying foul following the heavy rains that destroyed their crops.

According to residents, the areas experienced heavy rains on Monday night, which destroyed several gardens of beans, Maize, sweet potatoes and banana plantations among other crops.

According to the Chairperson LC 3 Eastern Division, Mr. David Tumwesigye the rains were expected however it did much harm to the area.

He urged farmers not to relent because of the rains.

He called on government to come for their rescue as they have embarked on a process of drafting a report to the Disaster Preparedness and Management Ministry to support the affected people.

One of the affected farmers in Kagugu cell Mr. Gideon Besiime said that his maize garden was completely destroyed.

“I had just planted and seen my plants coming out of soil to about three centimeters but the rain has set me back to plant again yet no seeds to plan”. He lamented.

Fred Kabwira, the Executive Director for Rukungiri Gender and Development Association, a community based organization operating in Rukungiri District, faults government for failing to sensitize residents on how they can minimize disaster.

He says “we have been through a dry spell that cost us lives I think it’s the time for government to come out and sensitize people beyond the disaster warnings from the office of the Prime Minister”.

Source:www.wmknewslink.com

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