Tragedy struck eastern Uganda as landslides, fueled by relentless heavy rains, wreaked havoc across the mountainous district of Bulambuli, resulting in at least 15 confirmed fatalities and leaving over 100 individuals unaccounted for. This catastrophic weather followed weeks of persistent precipitation, prompting governmental alerts and emergency responses.
The landslides occurred late on Wednesday, predominantly affecting the village of Masugu and the surrounding areas, including Namachele, Natola, Namagugu, and Tagalu. Eyewitnesses described neighborhoods transformed by nature's fury, where massive earthfalls buried homes and left streets choked with debris. Local authorities reported the retrieval of the initial casualties but feared the death toll might rise as rescue operations were hindered by obstructed roads.
“We believe many of the missing are likely buried under the rubble,” stated Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja during her appearance on NBS television. “Our focus is now on exhuming the bodies and providing assistance to the affected families.” The Prime Minister accompanied her statements with the grim acknowledgment of 113 individuals still missing, highlighting the scale of the disaster.
The Uganda Red Cross responded swiftly to the chaos, deploying teams equipped for search and rescue. Reports indicated the recovery of multiple bodies, including those of children, as emergency workers combed through the landslide's wreckage. At least 19 injuries were reported, with some individuals hospitalized with serious conditions.
Community efforts intensified as locals and soldiers joined responses to the disaster, attempting to locate survivors amid the rubble. Irene Nakasiita, spokesperson for the Uganda Red Cross, conveyed the emotional strain during the operation, sharing on X (formerly Twitter) the heart-wrenching scenes of families digging through the earth with desperate hope for their loved ones.
Despite the rescue endeavors, the challenging terrain significantly delayed access for ambulances and heavy machinery necessary for digging and recovery. Rural roads had become impassable, compounded by weather-related blockages. Reports indicated only 120 of the 500 soldiers dispatched managed to reach the impacted villages initially.
“Heavy rains on Wednesday have led to disaster situations in many areas, especially as rivers overflowed, flooding schools and isolations,” the Ugandan Prime Minister's office wrote on social media, declaring national disaster alerts. The relentless rains have not only compounded the landslide situation but have also led to significant flooding near the tributary of the Nile, with emergency crews working to rescue stranded motorists.
One alarming incident during the rescue operations involved the capsize of one of two boats sent to aid trapped passengers in another part of the country. Tragically, one engineer lost his life during this event, underscoring the dangers rescuers faced.
This latest calamity marks just one of many. Uganda has faced devastating landslides before, often attributed to its mountainous terrain and heavy rains. A prior incident from 2010 resulted in over 350 fatalities during a mudslide in the Mount Elgon region. Parliamentary officials expressed their condolences at the loss of life from this recent disaster, and across the country, people are rallying together to support affected families.
Relief efforts are complicated by the recurrent and frequent nature of these disasters. The region's geography has made it fertile for agriculture, but many residents find themselves trapped by their ancestral ties and the rich land, compelled to stay even with the imminent risk of natural calamities.
