UGANDA MUDSLIDE DEATH TOLL RISES TO 28 AS RESCUE EFFORTS CONTINUE
Kampala, Uganda. The death toll from last week’s devastating mudslide in Uganda’s Bulambuli District has risen to 28, with rescue teams continuing their search for more victims. The tragic landslide in the Buluganya and Sooti sub-counties buried homes, leaving families trapped under the debris.
According to Rogers Taitika, the Elgon region police spokesperson, the increase in the death toll follows the deployment of an excavator, which has allowed rescuers to access deeper areas that were previously unreachable. By the end of Sunday, 22 bodies had been recovered. On Monday, the excavator unearthed five more bodies, and another victim passed away at Muyembe Health Center IV, bringing the total to 28.
“The excavator can dig deeper compared to the hand hoes that were used earlier by the community members,” Taitika said. “We expect to recover more bodies as the operation continues.”
The mudslide has displaced hundreds of people, many of whom are now residing in overcrowded internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. Irene Muloni, the Bulambuli District Woman MP, has urged the government to expedite the resettlement of these displaced families, warning that delays could lead to outbreaks of diseases and an increase in crime, including defilement and rape.
“If the government delays resettling these people, we anticipate worse outcomes, including unhygienic diseases and increased crime rates,” Muloni cautioned.
The search and recovery operation, led by local communities and supported by over 300 Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers, continues. The excavation work has been significantly enhanced by the arrival of an excavator on Sunday, which is allowing workers to dig through the thick mud and debris more effectively.
Efforts are also underway to evacuate residents from other high-risk areas to safer locations. Many have already been moved to Bunambutye, where they are staying in temporary shelters, including tents provided by the Uganda Red Cross Society and development partners.
While the immediate focus remains on recovery, the government has vowed to find long-term solutions to prevent future disasters. The ongoing rainy season heightens concerns about the vulnerability of those still residing in danger zones.
The Bulambuli mudslide is a reminder of the recurring threat of landslides in Uganda’s Elgon region. The area’s steep terrain, coupled with deforestation and heavy rainfall, has made it prone to such disasters. Previous landslides, such as the deadly 2010 Bududa landslide that claimed over 350 lives, have highlighted the urgent need for effective mitigation and resettlement strategies.
As the community continues to search for the missing and support displaced individuals, the government and aid organizations are working to provide relief and ensure the safety of those affected. The tragedy also underscores the need for sustainable solutions to address the root causes of such disasters and protect vulnerable communities in the future.
