TOP STORY: Kapchorwa Farmers Plead for Urgent Relief Weeks After Hailstorm Devastation
Farmers in Kapchorwa Municipality are calling on the government for immediate intervention following weeks of silence after powerful hailstorms destroyed acres of farmland, leaving hundreds at risk of food insecurity and financial ruin.
The storms, which struck last month, severely impacted crops such as maize, beans, Irish potatoes, and onions—particularly in Kween and Kwoti Wards in the East Division. Many farmers say they’ve been left in limbo, with no clear support in sight.
Alfred Chepjur, the LCII Chairperson of Kween Ward and one of the victims of the disaster, expressed frustration over the lack of action. He confirmed that officials from the Kapchorwa District Disaster Management Committee conducted an initial assessment shortly after the storm—but have since gone silent.
“The destruction was massive. We thought the visit meant help was on the way,” said Daniel Siwa, a farmer from Kween Cell who lost his entire maize crop. “Now, we don’t know how we’ll survive. We need support before things get worse.”
Responding to the growing concerns, Kapchorwa District LCV Chairperson Everlyn Kubarika Chebet acknowledged the delays but urged residents to remain calm. Speaking on Tuesday, October 14th, she stated that the disaster report had been submitted to the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness and that the district is still awaiting feedback.
As the wait for relief stretches on, affected farmers continue to hope the government will step in before the situation escalates into a full-blown crisis.
