The death toll from the landslide in Uganda’s main garbage dump has reached 21. This includes 17 adults and 4 juveniles. The disaster struck late Friday when a section of the landfill collapsed. Recent heavy rains caused a large mass of garbage to tumble into homes at the edge of the site. Residents were asleep when the collapse occurred.
Initially, the Kampala Capital City Authority reported eight deaths on Saturday. Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango confirmed the updated toll and said rescue efforts are still ongoing. So far, rescuers have saved 14 people. They fear that more may still be trapped under the debris.
The Uganda’s Red Cross team has set up emergency tents for those displaced by the landslide. The Kiteezi landfill, Kampala’s only waste site for decades, had grown into a large mound. This collapse highlights the dangers associated with the aging landfill. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to find survivors and aid the affected.
Local leaders are organizing support for the affected families, and the government is conducting a thorough assessment to determine the full extent of the damage and to provide necessary relief. The tragedy has highlighted discussions on the importance of sustainable waste management and the implementation of better infrastructure to prevent such disasters in the future.
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