Heavy rain sweeps animals, crops and bridges in Zombo

Full report

A severe disaster marked by torrential rainfall and a destructive hailstorm struck Alangi Sub-county in Zombo District on the afternoon of Sunday, 2 August 2026, leaving a remarkable trail of destruction.

The driving rain, accompanied by hailstorms, pounded the four parishes of Gamba, Ambele, Angar and Ndara.

Floods hit parts of Pasaye parish, sweeping away an unspecified number of cows and goats along with garden crops including beans, maize and cassava into streams and flooded valleys.

Bob Cekecan, speaker of Zombo District Council and male district councillor for Alangi Sub-County, confirmed the incident.

He said the pounding downpour ripped through rural villages and disconnected communities after Athuda Bridge I and II on the Athuda stream were swept away.

This cut off access for pupils who reach government-aided Gamba Primary School via Andhimandhi village.

Cekecan called for urgent support, noting that the destruction has worsened the area’s vulnerability to food insecurity and potential famine.

“The parishes of Ambele, Gamba, Angar and Ndara were greatly affected by hailstorms that destroyed crops and washed away gardens. Some parts of Pasaye parish were greatly affected by floods,” Cekecan explained. “Cows and goats that were grazing along the stream were swept away and many were discovered dead.”

The disaster caused widespread devastation to agricultural livelihoods, obliterating staple crops such as maize, beans, cassava and avocado plantations.

Cekecan appealed for help, saying near-total crop failure has compounded the socio-economic and psychological impacts on local farmers.

The loss of these vital food sources has heightened the risk of famine, with hundreds of farmers facing acute food insecurity.

Videos shared online by the community show a flooded Aniza River, with damage described as “immense.”

Residents urgently appealed for intervention from the district disaster management committee and humanitarian organisations.

Celestinu Mengu, speaker of Kebhu Rigangi, described the situation as “devastating” and appealed for support from district authorities.

“This disaster swept away many animals and crops leaving our people down. We appeal for support from our district leadership,” he said.

He noted that the kingdom has faced catastrophic floods and rainfall since the 1960s, linked to rivers including Aniza and Ora.

Hassan Ringtho, vice LCV chairperson of Zombo, urged Alangi Sub-County leadership to prepare a report for the district so it can be forwarded to the Office of the Prime Minister.

Historically, Zombo District benefited from dense vegetation that provided a natural buffer against extreme weather. Since the early 2000s, however, rampant deforestation and depletion of forest reserves have increased the area’s exposure to hailstorms, floods and strong winds.

Local environmentalists say this degradation has amplified the impacts of climate-induced hazards.

The latest disaster follows a similar incident in which rain and hailstorms devastated crop fields in Padea Town Council, as well as a 2024 event in which the worst torrential rains and hailstorms hit Abanga Sub-County, affecting the parishes of Serr and Pakadha and destroying crops critical to local food security.

The district disaster management committee has repeatedly raised concerns about inadequate funding, which hampers effective preparedness and response and leaves communities increasingly vulnerable to recurring climate-related hazards.

Uganda’s June-to-August (JJA) 2026 seasonal climate outlook, released by the Ministry of Water and Environment, indicates that most parts of the country will experience near-normal to below-normal rainfall alongside warmer-than-average temperatures. August marks the tail end of the long dry season in central, southern and western regions, while northern and eastern areas experience intermittent or on-and-off showers.

By Mike Rwothomio in Zombo District, West Nile Sub-region, Northern Uganda.