Disaster in Kole: hailstorm leaves thousands homeless, crops ruined

5 August 2026, 1:27 pm

By Winnie Auma

More than 1,000 households in Kole District have been left counting losses after a devastating hailstorm destroyed homes and crops across thousands of acres of farmland.

The Member of Parliament for Kole North, Dr. Samuel Opio Acuti, said the hailstorm affected 1,268 households and destroyed crops on more than 3,000 acres in Alito Town Council and the sub-counties of Alito, Kede, and Aboke.

Dr. Acuti said the destruction has left many families in distress and farmers facing huge financial losses, warning that the disaster could worsen food insecurity and poverty since the majority of residents depend on agriculture for their livelihoods.

He said the matter has already been reported to the Office of the Prime Minister, but no relief assistance has yet reached the affected communities. Dr. Acuti also noted that hailstorms occur in the area almost every year and urged the government to work with the Ministries of Environment and Agriculture to investigate the recurring phenomenon and develop a lasting solution.

The LC3 Chairperson for Alito subcounty, Tom Olet said the problem has left many locals in the area with no hope of getting food and some people have been displaced.He called for immediate intervention from government especially to provide seeds and food relief to them.

Geoffrey Omara, the LC1 Chairperson of Anekapiri Cell in Alito Town Council, said the incident has left several residents, including himself, homeless. He has called on government and well-wishers to come to their aid.