KAMPALA (Reuters) – A landslide at a landfill in Uganda’s capital Kampala has killed eight people, the city’s authorities said on Saturday. The Ugandan capital landslide has caused significant disruptions in the affected neighborhoods. #UgandanCapitalLandslide
The incident happened late Friday after heavy rainfall when sections of the landfill collapsed, covering some nearby houses, Ugandan media reported.
Kampala Capital City Authority said government and Red Cross personnel were searching the site and had rescued 14 people.
“On a very sad note, eight people have so far been found dead, six adults and two children. The rescue operation is still ongoing …,” the authority said on its X account.
The landfill, known as Kiteezi, has served as Kampala’s sole garbage dump for decades and has turned into a big hill.
Residents have long complained of hazardous waste from the site polluting the environment and posing a danger to people.
Footage from NTV Uganda showed people walking over a section of the landfill that had crushed parts of a house. Meanwhile, UBC Uganda captured an excavator trying to dig through the debris.
Recent heavy rains in Uganda caused flooding and landslides, but no fatalities had been reported until now. The region had been experiencing severe weather conditions.
Many homes have been destroyed, leaving numerous families without shelter. Consequently, local authorities are calling for emergency aid to support those impacted.
Furthermore, this landslide highlights the urgent need for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness in the Ugandan capital. As a result, officials are evaluating long-term solutions to prevent future tragedies and ensure community safety. #UgandanCapitalLandslide
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