On March 15th, 2025, Kalangala Island experienced one of the most devastating storms in history. The storm came suddenly, a dark, swirling mass on Lake Victoria. By the time it made landfall in Kalangala, four lives had been lost. The cyclone-force winds uprooted trees, flattened buildings, and left the island community in ruins.
A Fight for Survival.
“I saw it before I ran home. A fast-moving, ghost-like figure.” “Within minutes, the cyclone winds tore through everything. We had nowhere to hide.”
Climate change and Deforestation: A Deadly Combination.
Cyclones are becoming a frequent nightmare in Kalangala. Residents believe that deforestation has made the island more vulnerable by removing the natural barrier that once weakened these storms before they hit the land.
Workers struggle amidst climate shifts.
The cyclone not only claimed lives but also left key institutions in disarray. MIFUMI, a vital organization supporting vulnerable communities, suffered significant structural damage to our office building, forcing staff to suspend operations as we monitor ongoing weather conditions. The staff also evacuated survivors who were in the shelter to a safer place in Masaka as a precaution, as they were not certain if the cyclone would reoccur.
Staff of MIFUMI and other agencies like the POLICE now face an uncertain future. With their workplace partially destroyed, many are unable to carry out their duties. This disruption has affected our ability to deliver emergency and crisis support to survivors as well as ongoing legal aid services, counselling services and community outreach efforts.
Beyond office workers, fishermen and the community at large, whose livelihoods depend on predictable weather are also feeling the impact. The frequent storms make fishing treacherous.
A Call for Climate Resilience.
Residents urge authorities and environmental organizations to prioritize climate adaptation measures, including reforestation and disaster preparedness programs. “We can’t keep rebuilding after every storm,” a local worker lamented. “We need long-term solutions.”
As Kalangala struggles to recover, the community remains hopeful that urgent intervention will prevent future devastation.
Veronica Akello
Digital Legal Officer
MIFUMI.