IN a grim echo of Ethiopia’s recent disaster, Uganda has become the second African nation to face a devastating landslide tragedy this month. The bustling capital of Kampala now stands as a scene of heartbreak and devastation after a catastrophic landslide claimed eight lives, including two children.
The disaster unfolded in Kiteezi, where heavy rainfall triggered the collapse of a massive landfill that has loomed over the area for decades. As the earth gave way, nearby homes were engulfed, trapping residents beneath tons of debris and waste.
The death toll has risen from eight to 21, police have announced, as rescue workers continued to dig for survivors. This tragedy comes on the heels of an even larger catastrophe in Ethiopia, where over 500 lives were lost to landslides just two weeks ago. The back-to-back disasters underscore the growing vulnerability of African nations to extreme weather events and environmental hazards.
As Ugandan government and Red Cross personnel comb through the wreckage, having already rescued 14 individuals, the Kiteezi landfill stands as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in plain sight. For years, residents have raised alarms about the site’s hazardous waste and the looming threat it posed to their community.
With parts of Uganda experiencing relentless rains in recent weeks, the nation now holds its breath, fearing this may be just the beginning of a treacherous season. As rescue efforts continue and the death toll threatens to rise, Uganda finds itself at the epicenter of a growing crisis that demands immediate attention and long-term solutions to prevent future tragedies.
