Recent landslides in Kasese and Bunyangabu districts of southwestern Uganda have resulted in the tragic loss of seven lives, with numerous others displaced by the natural disaster.
The devastating landslides claimed the lives of seven individuals from a single family, underscoring the severity of the situation. Three of the victims lost their lives in Mapata village, situated in the mountainous terrain of Katoke Parish, Bugoye sub-county, Kasese district.
According to James Katalikawa, the sub-county chairperson, the deceased individuals were identified as Edmond Bwambale, his spouse, and their two-year-old child. The fatal incident occurred as the family was resting during a heavy rainfall that commenced around 2:30 pm on Thursday. Tragically, the rolling landslides engulfed them while they were asleep, resulting in their untimely demise.
In addition to the loss of lives, three houses were swept away, and significant property damage was reported, although the exact extent of the destruction remains to be fully assessed.
In the neighboring district of Bunyangabu, four more individuals, also belonging to the same family, perished in a landslide during Thursday’s torrential rain. The incident occurred in Katumba village, Bunaiga Parish, Katebwa sub-county, within the Rwenzori mountain areas. The victims, including two adults and two children, were buried alive when their house collapsed under the force of the landslide.
The tragic events unfold amidst warnings issued by the Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA) regarding heavy rainfall expected in May. Particularly vulnerable are the mountainous regions, prompting advisories for communities to exercise caution and take necessary precautions.
The region, especially Kasese, has a history of enduring floods and landslides, with catastrophic events dating back to May 1, 2013. During this period, major rivers such as Nyamwamba, Mubuku, Nyamugasani, and Lhubiriha overflowed, causing widespread destruction to both public and private property, amounting to unspecified billions of shillings in damages.
Among the casualties of previous disasters is the Kilembe Mines Hospital, which continues to face challenges in its operations since sustaining damage, emphasizing the ongoing repercussions of natural disasters on public infrastructure in the region.
