The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Four more bodies were recovered from the garbage mound at the Kiteezi dumpsite Thursday, bringing the total number of confirmed dead to 34.
Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, Patrick Onyango said the bodies were retrieved under the garbage that collapsed last Saturday.
“Today, the operational team in Kiteezi landfill did tremendous work and recovered 04 bodies. The total number of bodies recovered so far is 34. This figure is released at 6:30 pm,” he said.
Meanwhile, Onyango identified the dead including nine-year-old Nassiwa Leticia, one-year-old Nakalema Benitta, Katerega Simon aged 6 years, and Nakitto Moureen aged 29 years.
Onyango said Nakabiri Magret, a resident of Bukomero Nakiluli Kiboga district, and Lukanga Fred identified all bodies. He said the bad weather was a bit of a challenge towards evening hours in the area.
Onyango revealed that the mortuary still holds seven unidentified bodies, including that of Abdul Nasir Nasir’s family has been searching for him since 2022, claiming they had been unaware of his fate until the incident. Abdul Nasir’s disappearance was previously reported at Wandegeya Police Station, but his case took a surprising turn when his name appeared on the list of victims of the Kiteezi landfill collapse.
To confirm the identity, Police Spokesperson Onyango explained that they would conduct a DNA test on the man who claims the late was his son.
“A man purporting to be Abdul’s father has presented only a National ID but lacks supporting testimony or documentation. Due to concerns about fraudulent claims, we will conduct DNA testing to authenticate his relationship,” Onyango explained.
He said claimants must provide concrete evidence to establish their relationship before the police can release the bodies for burial. “We will verify their claims to ensure the deceased is handed over to the rightful family,” Onyango noted.Meanwhile, police reported that rescue teams at the Kiteezi site were facing a significant challenge due to the waterlogged conditions.
“The rescue operation has been hindered by a waterlogged site, forcing us to divert efforts to create a drainage channel. This setback has delayed our progress, and unfortunately, we have not recovered any bodies yet,” said an officer involved in the rescue efforts.”
****
URN
