The death toll from the Saturday morning landfill collapse in Kiteezi, Wakiso District has risen to 23, authorities confirmed on Sunday. The incident, which buried several homes under a massive pile of garbage, has prompted President Yoweri Museveni to order an urgent investigation into the cause of the tragedy.
“The situation is getting calmer. We continue to retrieve the bodies. The cumulative number of those who have died stands at 23,” stated acting Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) spokesperson Daniel Nuwe Abine on Sunday. He also reported that 14 people were injured, with some already discharged from the hospital.
Search and rescue operations remain ongoing as the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) announced the commencement of an investigation following President Museveni’s directive earlier on Sunday. “The investigations kicked off today (Sunday). We were on the ground and took statements from some people. We are going to do it in the shortest time possible because the president (Museveni) wants information urgently,” IGG spokesperson Ali Munira told journalists in Kampala.
Although the IGG did not specify when the findings would be available to the president or the public, Munira emphasized the importance of cooperation from those involved, stating, “Because a lot of parties are involved and we have to talk to all of them, I can’t state the date when investigations will be concluded but, we are going to expedite the process.”
In response to the tragedy, President Museveni directed Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja to coordinate the evacuation of all households in the danger zone and to oversee the recovery of individuals potentially still buried under the debris. The president also took to X (formerly Twitter) to urge Ugandans to avoid settling in hazardous areas, such as wetlands and riverbanks, which are prone to natural disasters.
“This should educate Ugandans about the dangerous areas such as wetlands, lakeshores, or the riverbanks, in the forests where they get in touch with monkeys and bring monkey-pox and Ebola to us, etc.,” Museveni wrote. He warned that those encouraging people to settle in such areas are, in fact, endangering lives, adding, “How many times have we lost people in such mountain landslides, floods, etc.? Let us learn and keep away from danger.”
Additionally, the president directed State House to provide financial assistance to the families of the deceased, offering UGX 5 million per person, and UGX 1 million per person for those injured. Museveni emphasized that this support is separate from any legal compensation that may arise if a government agency is found responsible for the collapse.
