Rising Death Toll from Kampala Garbage Landslide Tragedy: 17 Confirmed Dead

A landslide at Kampala's primary garbage dump in Uganda has claimed 17 lives, with rescue efforts ongoing. President Museveni has ordered the relocation of residents living near the site and launched an investigation into the incident. The Kiteezi landfill had been a longstanding environmental hazard.

A devastating landslide at Kampala's sole garbage dump has claimed 17 lives, with rescue workers continuing their search for survivors. Irene Nakasita, spokesperson for Uganda Red Cross, confirmed the latest death toll following torrential rains that caused the collapse of a massive garbage mound at the Kiteezi landfill site late Friday.

Additional bodies were retrieved on Sunday, increasing the casualties from the initial count. President Yoweri Museveni has directed the prime minister to oversee the relocation of residents from the dangerous area and announced an investigation into the disaster. Authorities promised to penalize any officials found negligent.

The Kiteezi site has long been criticized for its environmental hazards. Efforts to secure a new landfill have stalled, endangering residents. Similar incidents in Africa highlight the perils of poorly managed waste sites, with deadly landslides in Ethiopia and Mozambique in recent years.

(With inputs from agencies.)