Sheema Municipality, September 24, 2026 — Residents of Sheema Municipality in western Uganda are counting heavy losses after intense rainfall pounded the area, destroying crops and damaging houses in several villages.
The downpour, which struck overnight and into the early hours of Thursday, brought strong winds that flattened banana plantations, beans, cassava, and other food crops that form the backbone of local livelihoods. Several homes suffered roof damage or partial collapse, leaving some families temporarily displaced and seeking shelter with neighbours.
Local leaders reported that the rains hit hardest in parts of the municipality where farming is the main economic activity. Banana plantations, a major source of both food and income for many households, were particularly affected, with mature plants uprooted or heavily damaged. Gardens of beans, groundnuts, and cassava also suffered, raising fears of food shortages in the coming weeks.
“We woke up to a scene of destruction,” said one resident in an affected village. “Our gardens are gone. The bananas that were almost ready for harvest are lying on the ground. We do not know how we shall feed our families or pay school fees.”
Another farmer expressed concern about outstanding loans taken to finance this season’s planting. “Many of us borrowed money for inputs. Now the crops are destroyed. How shall we repay?” the resident asked.
Local officials confirmed that assessments are ongoing to determine the full extent of the damage. Early reports indicate that multiple households have lost both shelter and their primary means of survival. In some areas, water logged fields and blocked drainage channels worsened the impact, with runoff carrying soil and debris into compounds.
Sheema District is known for its fertile soils and productive agriculture, with bananas, coffee, beans, and livestock supporting most families. Events like this disrupt not only immediate food supply but also the local economy, as farmers struggle to recover before the next planting season.
Community leaders have appealed to the district and central government for urgent support, including food relief, temporary shelter materials, and agricultural inputs such as seedlings to help residents restart production. They also called for improved drainage and early-warning systems to reduce the impact of future heavy rains, which have become more frequent in recent years.
Authorities in Sheema Municipality are coordinating with disaster response teams to map affected zones and prioritise assistance. Meanwhile, residents continue clearing debris and salvaging what remains of their crops while hoping for timely intervention.
The incident comes amid broader weather concerns across parts of western Uganda, where intense rains have previously caused similar losses to homes and farms. Local leaders urged residents to remain vigilant as the rainy season continues and to report further damage through their village and parish structures.