At least 30 people have been confirmed dead following devastating landslides in Masugu village, located in Uganda’s eastern Bulambuli district, with fears that the toll could increase as rescue efforts continue. The landslides, triggered by days of heavy rainfall, have left a trail of destruction, burying homes and trapping residents beneath debris.
Faheera Mpalanyi, the district commissioner of Bulambuli, confirmed the tragic loss of life, noting that six bodies, including that of a baby, have been recovered from the affected area. However, given the scale of the devastation, local authorities fear that many others are still missing and likely buried under the rubble. “The situation is dire, and we expect the death toll to rise,” Mpalanyi said in a statement.
This tragedy marks a grim recurrence of landslide disasters in the region, following a similar incident just three months ago that claimed dozens of lives. The latest disaster has buried at least 40 homes entirely, with additional properties sustaining significant damage. Rescue teams, including the Uganda Red Cross Society and local emergency responders, have managed to recover 13 bodies so far, but search operations are ongoing.
The Ugandan Prime Minister’s office has issued a disaster alert in response to the widespread damage, warning that up to 20 homes may have been swept away by the landslides. The alert cited heavy rains on Wednesday as the main cause of the destruction, which has affected several areas in the country.
In addition to the landslides, parts of Uganda’s northwest region have been severely impacted by flooding, with a tributary of the Nile River bursting its banks. The flooding has caused further disruptions, leaving motorists stranded and prompting urgent rescue efforts. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as more heavy rain is forecast in the coming days.
The government has called for increased vigilance, urging residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate where possible, as the combination of landslides and flooding poses ongoing risks. “This is an emergency situation,” said a government spokesperson. “We are doing everything we can to support affected communities, but we urge the public to take necessary precautions.”
