A devastating landslide at a major waste disposal site in Kampala, Uganda, has resulted in the deaths of at least 12 people.
The disaster occurred in the Jalala Kiteezi landfill, a 36-acre (14-hectare) site that serves the entire city of Kampala, which has a population of approximately four million.
The landslide was triggered by weeks of heavy rain, leading to the collapse of a large mound of waste late Friday night.
The collapse buried several houses located on the edge of the landfill while residents were asleep. The initial death toll was reported as eight, including two children.
Rescue teams have been working tirelessly to sift through the debris in search of additional survivors.
According to Kampala police spokesman Patrick Onyango, by Sunday, four more bodies had been recovered, raising the total number of confirmed deaths to 12.
Additionally, 14 individuals have been rescued from the site.
City officials have been attempting to find a new waste disposal location for years, but their efforts have yet to yield a viable alternative.
The Jalala Kiteezi landfill remains the sole facility handling waste for the entire city, underscoring the critical need for improved waste management solutions in Kampala.
The ongoing rescue operations highlight the urgency of addressing both the immediate needs of affected families and the long-term challenges posed by waste management and environmental safety in the city.
