Heavy rains destroy homes and over 1,400 acres of crops in Gulu city

12 October 2026, 11:15 am

By Emmanuel Mwaka

Heavy downpours accompanied by severe hailstorms wreaked havoc across Laliya Ward in Laroo-Pece Division, Gulu City, on Thursday 8 October 2026 evening, leaving hundreds of families stranded and destroying vast acres of farmland.

Local authorities report that the storm has caused widespread destruction to both shelter and agricultural livelihoods. According to Mr. Ojara Michael, the LC1 Chairperson of Dwol Cell, the level of damage is catastrophe-level, affecting over 1,000 households out of the more than 3,000 households in the area.

The destructive winds ripped through residential properties, blowing off rooftops and exposing residents to the elements. Among those severely hit is Mr. Kinyera Jimmy, a resident whose home was completely unroofed during the downpour.

Beyond structural damages, agricultural fields sustained monumental losses, raising immediate concerns over food security in the division.

Mr. Okumu Valentine Okello, a local resident of Laliya Dwol, detailed the visible toll left in the storm’s wake put Over 400 acres of cassava destroyed, over 1,000 acres of maize ruined and more than 6,000 trees felled by powerful winds

Mr. Okumu urgently appealed to the Gulu City Disaster Management Team and national relief agency partners to intervene swiftly before the situation escalates into a food crisis.

Local leaders continue to assess the full extent of the damage as community members work together to salvage what remains of their property.

On Saturday, Laroo-Pece Division Mayor Gifta Aber visited the affected area to assess the damage. She said Minister Sam Engola had advised the City Clerk to submit a formal request for relief supplies.