Anxiety grips residents of the Ssese Islands as fears grow that another violent storm could strike, just days after a deadly tempest ravaged the region, leaving three dead and 13 others injured.
The March 15 disaster, driven by the powerful Ensoke wind, devastated Mweena and Buggala Islands, reducing more than 300 houses to rubble and displacing hundreds. As emergency response teams rush to provide aid, survivors say they are terrified of another catastrophe.
Authorities have confirmed the identities of the deceased as Wasswa Hassan, Godfrey (whose second name remains unavailable), and Mike Mujaasi. Among the injured are several police officers stationed at Kalangala Central Police Station, which also suffered major damage.
“I have never seen anything like this. The Ensoke wind lifted water into the sky before crashing down with deadly force. It tore through our homes, uprooted trees, and left many of us with nothing.” said Seguya Bernard, a longtime resident of Buggala Island.
Survivors say Ensoke has existed for generations but has become more destructive due to widespread deforestation. “In the past, the forests acted as a buffer. Now, the wind just sweeps through with nothing to slow it down.” Seguya added.
SP Kasirye Twaha, the Greater Masaka Police spokesperson also confirmed that Kalangala Central Police Station was among the hardest-hit buildings, with the storm ripping off the roof of its administration block and destroying officers’ living quarters.
“We lost a dedicated officer, D/Sgt Mujasi Michael, along with two civilians. Several officers sustained serious injuries, and emergency response teams have been deployed with relief aid, including iron sheets, tents, and food.” SP Kasirye Twaha confirmed
As recovery efforts continue, residents are being urged to stay alert for potential storms.
“We cannot rule out the possibility of more extreme weather. We need to work on long-term solutions to protect our communities.”warned a local leader
Meanwhile, families of the deceased are preparing to lay their loved ones to rest, as the full scale of the disaster continues to unfold.
