On Tuesday, the elders gathered in the Akiriket and slaughtered a bull that Lokure paid for as a fine for cleansing their shrine to avoid rainstorms.
Robert Lochuga, one of the residents, said that the storm came through the direction where the trees were cut.
Eight houses have been destroyed and 100 people
displaced after a heavy rainstorm hit Kanakomol ward in Moroto Municipality. The incident occurred on Saturday after a heavy downpour
that lasted for over four hours, leaving several roads cut
off
The residents believe that the storm could have resulted
from the cutting down of trees from the two traditional shrines locally known
as Akiriket.
The Akiriket is a traditional shrine where Karamojong elders
meet and invoke their gods over issues affecting the land. This place is
usually within a forested area near villages where men perform rituals and
sacrifices.
According to the residents, the first Akiriket was destroyed
last year by the Moroto municipal council authorities during road construction.
They were later tasked to pay 2 million shillings, which was used for buying a
bull that the elders slaughtered for cleansing as per the tradition's demands.
The second shrine was also tampered with after an individual
cut down one of the trees for burning charcoal. It is alleged that the peace of
land hosting the shrine was sold by an elder identified as Kandeke Lokure to
another person who cut down the tree.
On Tuesday, the elders gathered in the Akiriket and
slaughtered a bull that Lokure paid as a fine for cleansing their shrine to
avoid rainstorms.
Robert Lochuga, one of the residents, said that the storm
came through the direction where the trees were cut. Lochuga said that the entire roof of his house was carried
away and the water damaged his property worth 1 million shillings, including
the items for the shop that he has been selling from his stall.
Lochuga revealed that he also lost a bag of sorghum and
cassava flour that he had been selling to the people who make local brew.
Lochuga said that he needs about 4 million shillings to help
him repair the house so that he can return to his normal business.
Alupot Nakoru, another victim, said that she has lost all
the food, clothes, and other household items that were damaged by the water,
and she has nowhere to go for shelter.
Nakoru said that there is no one to help her repair her
house since her husband is in prison.
"I need new iron sheets, nails, timbers, and other
roofing materials, but I don't have any money. My husband is in prison, and
there is no one to help me," Nakoru explained.
Lopwon Lopeteron, an 80-year-old man, whose house was also destroyed,
explained that the storm is believed to have occurred after the trees from
Akiriket were cut down. He said there are tough consequences for people who
tamper with the trees in the Shrine, and the fine is always a bull for
cleansing.
Loperon noted that they cleansed the first shrine where the
road passed, but he does not understand why the gods are steal angry. He said
that they will have to meet as elders to find out what the problem could be.
Dominic Lokiru, the LCI Chairperson of Kanakomol village,
said that the heavy rains that pounded for over four hours caused various
damages in different homes.
Lokiru noted that he has so far profiled eight households that
were affected as the storm destroyed their houses, and they have nowhere
to sleep. He noted that the elders had tasked the Municipal
authorities, who were responsible for opening the access road, to pay a fine of
a bull that would be used for cleansing.
Lokiru also explained that 2 million shillings were given to
elders to buy a bull, but it seems certain steps were missed out during the
cleansing process.
//Cue in: "kire nu abu.......
Cue out :........akitare dana adolu".//
Paul Lomilo, a resident of Kanakomol village, said that
there is a need to plant more trees that will act as windbreakers to avoid further
destruction of properties.
He said several people have been displaced and they are now
squeezing themselves sharing small Manyatta (huts) with other relatives.
Lomilo appealed to any well-wisher to support them with
money to put back their roof so that they can return home and concentrate on
their farming.
//Cue in: "it has caused.....
Cue out :.....put the ironsheets".//
Ismail Mohammed, the Mayor for Moroto Municipality, noted
that they have been experiencing heavy rains that left several homes and roads
submerged.
Mohammed noted that some areas experienced flash floods that
damaged people's properties and gardens. He said that as a result, at least 100
people were left homeless after the flash floods washed away their properties.
He reiterated that several reports have been written to the Ministry
of Disaster seeking support for the victims, but they have never received a
response.
