The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
KAMPALA, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Rescue operations at the Kiteeezi landfill collapse, which buried more than 30 houses and animals, were hampered by limited equipment, with only two excavators deployed by the fire and rescue services and KCCA.
A devastating tragedy struck on Saturday morning at 7:40 AM, resulting in the loss of at least eight lives and injuring 14 others, with more victims trapped trapped beneath the massive pile of rubble.
Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Patrick Onyango said the rescue efforts will likely take up to a week, hindered by insufficient heavy machinery, such as graders and excavators on the ground, yet they have four sites to dig-up.
“Currently, our main obstacle is a shortage of machinery,” said Patrick Onyango. “We only have two graders, one from the police and another from KCCA, to tackle four different sites. We’re awaiting additional equipment from the Ministry of Transport, which means the operation may take around a week to complete.”
Lillian Aber, State Minister for Disaster Preparedness, revealed that her ministry is working closely with the Red Cross and other partners to secure more resources, including equipment and manpower, to augment the ongoing rescue operation.
“Currently, our top priority is securing additional machines and manpower to expedite rescue efforts, with the hope of finding more survivors trapped beneath the rubble. Meanwhile, my ministry is providing emergency assistance, including tents and food, to those who have lost their homes,” Minister Aber stated. Muwonge Frank, a resident involved in the rescue efforts, expressed concern that they had been communicating with trapped victims, but had in the evening lost contact, suggesting a grim possibility that these individuals may have succumbed to oxygen deprivation.
Easter Namujuzi, a mother of two who narrowly escaped with injuries, described the terrifying moment when a massive garbage heap came crashing down like a wave, engulfing homes.
KCCA’s Public Health Directorate recommended in a 2023 site visit report that the government address the Kiteezi landfill’s capacity issues by either relocating to a new site in Dundu-Mukono or developing the adjacent 4-acre land acquired for expansion purposes.
Police have at least confirmed so far eight retrieved bodies and fourteen causalities so far taken to Mulago referral Hospital. The rescue efforts are still ongoing at the Kitezi landfill.
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