Landslide at Ugandan Rubbish Dump Kills 12, Including Children
A devastating landslide at a rubbish dump in Uganda has claimed the lives of 12 people, including several children. The tragedy occurred in the capital city of Kampala, where heavy rains triggered a collapse at the sprawling Kiteezi landfill, burying people who were scavenging for items to sell.
Witnesses described the horror as tons of waste and debris suddenly shifted, engulfing the victims in a matter of seconds. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but the heavy rains and unstable conditions hampered rescue efforts, leaving little hope of finding survivors.
Among the deceased were families who rely on the dump to make a living, collecting scrap and other materials to sell. The incident has sparked renewed calls for better safety measures at the dump, which has long been a source of concern due to its precarious location and lack of regulation.
Kampala’s rapid urbanization and inadequate waste management infrastructure have led to the creation of massive landfills like Kiteezi, where thousands of people live and work in dangerous conditions. The landslide has highlighted the urgent need for improvements in waste management and safety standards to protect vulnerable communities.
Local authorities have promised an investigation into the disaster and have pledged to provide support to the families affected by the tragedy. However, many in the community fear that without significant changes, similar incidents could occur again, putting more lives at risk.
