Tragic Landslide Claims Eight Lives at Kampala Landfill

A landslide at Kampala's Kiteezi landfill killed eight people after heavy rainfall. Authorities and the Red Cross rescued 14 people, but six adults and two children were found dead. Residents have long expressed concerns about the hazardous waste. Recent heavy rains have intensified flooding and landslides in Uganda.

A landslide at a landfill in Uganda's capital Kampala has killed eight people, according to city authorities. The tragedy occurred late Friday after heavy rainfall caused sections of the landfill to collapse, covering nearby houses.

The Kampala Capital City Authority stated that government and Red Cross personnel were actively searching the site. They have rescued 14 people so far. 'On a very sad note, eight people have been found dead, six adults and two children. The rescue operation is still ongoing,' the authority posted on its X account.

Kiteezi landfill, the city's sole garbage dump for decades, had become a towering hill. Residents had long complained about hazardous waste polluting the environment and posing dangers. Footage from NTV Uganda and UBC Uganda television showed people navigating the damaged landfill and an excavator digging through the rubble.

Uganda has experienced heavy rains in recent weeks, causing flooding and landslides, although no fatalities were reported until this incident.

(With inputs from agencies.)