Kiteezi Landfill Collapse Claims 17 Lives, Displaces Thousands
The death toll from the collapse of the Kiteezi landfill in Kawempe Division has risen to 17. The increase follows the recovery of additional bodies by the police on Sunday.
Patrick Onyango, spokesperson for the Kampala Metropolitan Police, confirmed that by Saturday evening, a total of 13 bodies had been recovered, including those of children. The excavation work is still ongoing, with efforts continuing to locate any additional victims.
Onyango stated that the landfill has been closed until further notice and emphasized that no area would be overlooked in the search for more bodies. He also noted that the exact number of displaced individuals is still unknown, though estimates suggest that over 1,000 people have been affected by the disaster.
The displaced residents will be temporarily relocated to a safer area on land provided by the Kiteezi Church of Uganda. Onyango highlighted the importance of coordinating with local authorities and landlords to address the needs of those affected.
The rescue operation involves various teams, including personnel from the Uganda Police, the Ministry of Works and Transport, the Ministry for Disaster Preparedness, the Red Cross Society, and community members.
In a statement, Kampala Capital City Authority attributed the collapse, which occurred after heavy rainfall on the night of August 9, 2024, to structural failure. The statement indicated that the landfill’s structural integrity was compromised, leading to the collapse. The extent of the damage is still being assessed, and efforts are underway to secure the area and prevent further incidents.
