Uganda is grappling with a devastating natural disaster after torrential rains triggered deadly landslides in the eastern Bulambuli district. The Ugandan Red Cross Society confirmed on Thursday that at least 13 people have lost their lives, though the true scale of the tragedy remains uncertain. According to reports from AFP, the death toll could rise to as many as 30, as search and rescue operations continue in the affected areas.
The landslides, which struck multiple villages, have left a trail of destruction, with over 40 houses swept away. Local authorities and humanitarian agencies fear that many residents are still missing, buried under the debris. Most of the victims recovered so far have been children, a somber reminder of the vulnerability of families in such disasters.
Torrential Rainfall Overwhelms Communities
The East African nation has experienced relentless rainfall over the past several days, causing rivers to overflow and inundate low-lying areas. In Bulambuli, located approximately 280 kilometers (178 miles) from Kampala, the downpour overwhelmed the hilly terrain, setting off mudslides that obliterated homes and buried communities under tons of earth.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja issued a disaster warning on Wednesday, urging residents in high-risk areas to exercise caution. Her statement highlighted the urgent need for preventive measures as more heavy rains are forecasted in the coming days.
“People are suspected to be missing and some feared buried by slides,” she said on X (formerly Twitter).
Beyond the immediate devastation of the landslides, the rains have wreaked havoc across the country. Rivers have burst their banks, flooding schools, churches, and other critical infrastructure. The destruction of bridges has cut off access to several areas, leaving communities isolated and in desperate need of aid.
Military Joins Rescue Efforts
In response to the disaster, Uganda’s military has been deployed to assist in search and recovery operations. The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have mobilized personnel and equipment, including boats, to navigate the treacherous floodwaters.
Tragically, the rescue efforts have not been without their challenges. On Wednesday, a military rescue operation involving a taxi stranded on a bridge ended in disaster when one of the deployed boats capsized. An engineer involved in the operation lost their life, further underscoring the perilous conditions responders face.
Calls for Action and Condolences
The disaster has drawn national attention, with leaders expressing their condolences to the affected families. In a parliamentary session on Thursday, Speaker Anitah Among addressed the tragedy, mourning the lives lost and acknowledging the widespread damage caused by the flooding.
“This is a moment of profound sadness for our nation,” Among said, calling for solidarity and swift government action to support the victims.
While immediate rescue and relief efforts are ongoing, the situation highlights broader challenges in Uganda’s disaster preparedness. The country’s mountainous regions, including Bulambuli, are prone to landslides during the rainy season. Experts have repeatedly called for investment in early warning systems, reforestation programs, and community relocation initiatives to mitigate the risks.
Humanitarian Needs Mount
With homes destroyed and communities isolated, the affected population faces urgent humanitarian needs. Emergency shelters, food supplies, and medical aid are critical as families struggle to cope with the aftermath.
The Ugandan Red Cross Society and other humanitarian organizations are working to provide relief, but the scale of the disaster has stretched their resources thin. International support may be required to bolster recovery efforts and address the long-term impacts of the flooding.
A Grim Reminder
The deadly landslides in Bulambuli serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of communities in Uganda and across East Africa to extreme weather events. As climate change continues to exacerbate the intensity and frequency of such disasters, the need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and resilience measures has never been more urgent.
For now, the priority remains saving lives and bringing solace to the grieving families, as Uganda faces one of its most challenging natural disasters in recent years.
