Tragedy struck Kateebwa sub-county in Bunyangabu District as a landslide engulfed the area, leaving at least four people feared dead and two injured. The landslide, which occurred during the afternoon hours of Thursday, resulted in the collapse of two houses, according to Irene Nakasiita, the Uganda Red Cross Society spokesperson.
Nakasiita explained that the community endured approximately four hours of intense rainfall starting from 2:00 pm, triggering the devastating landslide. In response to the emergency, the Red Cross response team, in collaboration with the local community, swiftly mobilized to provide assistance to those affected by the disaster.
The injured individuals were promptly transported to the hospital for medical attention, while efforts to recover the bodies trapped under the debris were underway. As the response team continues its efforts, Nakasiita emphasized their commitment to supporting all those impacted by the landslide.
Bunyangabu District stands among the regions prone to landslides in Uganda, alongside areas like Manafwa, Bududa, Kisoro, Sironko, Kapchorwa, and Kween. Concerns over land degradation and unsustainable agricultural practices have exacerbated the risk of such disasters.
In March 2022, warnings were issued to the community residing near Kyatwa Hill in Bunyangabu, cautioning against agricultural activities that degrade the terrain. The hill, covering 250 hectares of land and home to 600 families engaged in various agricultural practices, faces significant threats due to soil erosion and land degradation.
Edgar Muganzi, the senior environmental officer of Bunyangabu district, highlighted the fragile nature of Kyatwa Hill and emphasized the importance of environmental conservation to mitigate disasters like landslides. Muganzi advocated for the planting of indigenous tree species to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion, urging residents to prioritize tree planting efforts.
Gerald Tumwesigye, the agricultural officer of Bunyangabu district, proposed coffee farming as a sustainable alternative for the community on Kyatwa Hill. He emphasized the benefits of coffee cultivation in preserving the hill’s ecosystem while generating income for households, urging residents to embrace this approach to safeguard their environment and livelihoods.
