A powerful hailstorm struck Bugala Island in Kalangala District early Saturday morning, leaving three people dead, including a police officer, and injuring several others. Authorities have launched rescue operations as they assess the extent of the damage.

According to Southern Region Police Spokesperson SP Twaha Kasirye, the storm hit at approximately 7:21 AM, severely damaging the local police barracks and part of the station’s administrative offices. The deceased have been identified as Detective Sergeant Michael Mujasi and two civilians whose identities are yet to be confirmed.

“The injured have been rushed to Kalangala Health Centre IV for urgent medical attention, while the bodies of the deceased have been taken to Kalangala Hospital mortuary,” SP Kasirye stated in an official communication.

The storm, which swept in from the eastern side of Kalangala, caused widespread destruction, leaving many officers without shelter. Emergency response teams are working to assist those affected and assess the full impact of the disaster.

Kalangala District, situated within the Ssese Islands on Lake Victoria, is occasionally affected by extreme weather, though severe hailstorms remain relatively rare. Authorities are urging residents to remain cautious as weather conditions in the region continue to fluctuate unpredictably.