Uganda’s Deadly Landfill Collapse Claims 21 Lives as Rescue Efforts Continue

A devastating landslide at Kampala’s only landfill site has resulted in at least 21 deaths, with rescue workers still searching for survivors. The tragedy occurred after weeks of heavy rainfall caused a massive mound of garbage to collapse, burying nearby homes as residents slept.

President Yoweri Museveni has ordered the relocation of all residents living near the dump site, while the government has launched investigations into the cause of the landslide. So far, 14 people have been rescued, but the number of those still trapped remains unknown.

The Red Cross has set up temporary shelters for those displaced by the disaster. The Kiteezi landfill, which has served as Kampala’s sole garbage dump for decades, has long been a source of concern for residents who have complained about hazardous waste and environmental dangers.

This tragedy highlights the urgent need for improved waste management infrastructure in rapidly growing urban areas. Similar disasters have occurred in other African countries, including Ethiopia and Mozambique, underscoring the widespread nature of this problem.

As rescue efforts continue and investigations unfold, the incident raises questions about urban planning, environmental safety, and the challenges faced by communities living near such hazardous sites. The government’s response and future waste management strategies will be crucial in preventing similar tragedies.