When a devastating cyclone swept through Kalangala on March 15, 2025, it left a trail of destruction in its wake, reducing homes to rubble, displacing hundreds, and claiming four lives.
For Corporal Godfrey Okeny, a police officer stationed at Kalangala Central Police Station, the cyclone took everything, except the uniform he was wearing while on duty.
“The only thing I managed to save was my uniform since I was on duty when the cyclone hit,” Okeny recalled. “Uganda Police provided us with tents, but I had nothing to shield my family and me from the cold nights. These blankets, mosquito nets, and other essentials will help us rebuild our lives. Thank you, Uganda Red Cross Society.”
Okeny is among the over 300 residents affected by the powerful storm, which not only destroyed homes but also led to the collapse of the Kalangala Central Police Station, its barracks, and the Kalangala Home for Children with Special Needs. Strong winds, accompanied by heavy rains, ripped through the area, leaving over ten people injured and an entire community in distress.
In the wake of the disaster, the Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS), working closely with the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and the Kalangala District Disaster Management Committee, sprang into action. A rapid needs assessment was conducted to identify the most urgent humanitarian gaps, paving the way for swift intervention.
On March 16, 2025, Hon. Lilian Aber, Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, visited the affected communities alongside URCS Director for Communications, Resource Mobilization, and Partnerships, Ms. Irene Nakasiita. The minister reassured residents that immediate support was forthcoming and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring normalcy.
True to the promise, on March 17, URCS mobilized and delivered emergency relief, distributing essential non-food items the next day to 250 affected households at the Kalangala District headquarters. The relief distribution was presided over by District Resident Commissioner (RDC) Fred Badda and witnessed by District Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Fredrick Ssemwogerere, Area Woman MP Hellen Nakimuli, and other local leaders.
“I want to thank the OPM, Belgium Red Cross Flanders and URCS for their swift action,” said RDC Fred Badda. “The state minister and URCS senior management team visited on Sunday, and today, they have fulfilled their commitment. I urge the beneficiaries to make good use of these essential items.
District CAO Ssemwogerere lauded URCS and their partners for being a steadfast partner in disaster preparedness and response. “Even before this cyclone, they have been instrumental in our preparedness efforts. Their response today with essential supplies shows their unwavering commitment,” he noted.
The relief package included tarpaulins, blankets, mosquito nets, a kitchen set, jerrycans, saucepans, soap, mats, solar lamps, and prefabricated emergency shelters. Some of these shelters were prepositioned at the URCS Kalangala branch to provide temporary housing for displaced individuals.
Among the beneficiaries was Mr. Deogratious Puwata, Director of the Kalangala Home for Children with Special Needs. The cyclone had left the home in ruins, stripping children of their safe haven.
“Our classrooms, housing facilities, and food stores were completely destroyed. The children, already traumatized, now face additional obstacles with fallen trees and debris,” Puwata explained. “This relief gives us a sense of hope. The kits provided today will significantly support the children. Previously, we had to share two cups among many, but now each child will have their own.”
Echoing the call for sustainable resilience, Area MP Hellen Nakimuli encouraged residents to embrace environmental conservation. “As an MP, my role is to advocate for support. When the disaster struck, I immediately contacted the State Minister, who in turn reached out to URCS. I thank URCS and Belgium Red Cross Flanders for standing with our people. I also encourage residents to plant indigenous trees to mitigate future disasters,” she advised.
URCS’s intervention underscores its commitment to supporting disaster-affected communities. As Uganda faces increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, the National Society remains a key player in emergency response, offering timely humanitarian assistance where it is needed most. The interventions in Kalangala were made possible with support from the Belgium Red Cross Flanders, under the coordination of the Office of the Prime Minister.