KAMPALA, Uganda — At least 18 people have lost their lives following the catastrophic collapse of the Kiteezi landfill in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, late Friday, the Uganda Red Cross confirmed. Among the deceased are two children, with 14 others sustaining injuries in the disaster.
The collapse, which officials believe was triggered by heavy rainfall, resulted in a “structural failure in the waste mass,” according to a statement from the Kampala Capital City Authority. Rescue operations continue, with efforts hampered by ongoing rain as teams work to recover bodies from the vast heaps of garbage.
The Kiteezi landfill, situated on a steep slope in a densely populated and impoverished area, serves as a waste disposal site for much of Kampala. The site has long been a source of income for women and children who scavenge for recyclable materials, despite the hazardous conditions.
For years, Kampala authorities have debated closing the landfill and relocating waste disposal to a larger, more suitable site outside the city. However, plans for this have stalled since 2016, with no clear explanation for the delay.
In response to the tragedy, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni ordered an investigation, questioning why people were allowed to live near such a hazardous area. “Who allowed people to live near such a potentially dangerous heap?” Museveni asked, emphasizing the severe health risks posed by the site.
The disaster has highlighted the urgent need for improved waste management in Kampala, as well as stricter regulations to protect those living in vulnerable areas.