Collapsed Ngemwa Parents school

12 pupils hospitalised as hailstorm devastates Hoima school

by · The Observer

A severe hailstorm left at least 12 pupils from Ngemwa Parents School in Hoima district hospitalized after strong winds caused their classroom block to collapse, leaving them critically injured.

The incident occurred on Friday at around 4 pm when the storm lasted over two hours and the pupils, who had taken shelter in their classrooms, were caught off guard as the school's structure gave way.

Most affected are pupils of P.3 and P.5, with 12 of them suffering severe injuries. They were immediately rushed to Kabaale health centre III for treatment.

Nathan Ahebwa, Nzorobi Parish councillor, recalled hearing the pupils’ screams and rushed to the scene, where he helped in rescuing the children. A nurse at the health centre, speaking anonymously, said most of the pupils are now out of danger.

The same storm wreaked havoc on the area, destroying over ten houses and leaving many residents without shelter. Local farms were devastated, with crops such as maize, tobacco, cassava, beans, sweet potatoes, and banana plantations ruined, raising fears of a potential famine.

Residents are appealing to the government for immediate relief, particularly food aid, as they anticipate food shortages. Hassan Kugonza, Kabaale sub-county LC III chairperson, expressed concern over the situation and has alerted the district disaster management committee. He has begun profiling affected families to present their details to the Office of the Prime Minister for assistance.

Kugonza urged the government to expedite relief efforts, while some families are currently being sheltered by relatives or in churches.

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