At least 14 people have died following a landslide in Uganda’s eastern Bulambuli district, with officials warning that the true death toll may be significantly higher.
Triggered by heavy rainfall, the landslides swept through multiple villages, destroying at least 40 homes. The Ugandan Red Cross Society confirmed the death of 14 people but fears persist that the toll could climb to as many as 30. Rescue efforts are ongoing, and at least six of the bodies recovered so far have been children.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja issued a disaster warning, noting that some residents remain missing and may have been buried in the debris. Rivers in the area have overflowed, flooding schools and churches, and isolating entire communities.
The Ugandan military has joined search and rescue operations, deploying boats to assist those trapped by rising waters. Tragically, during one rescue attempt in Pakwach, a boat capsized, claiming the life of an engineer.
Landslides and flooding are not uncommon in eastern Uganda, a region known for its fertile farmland and mountainous terrain. In 2010, a catastrophic landslide in Bududa killed around 300 people. Despite the risks, many residents remain reluctant to relocate due to their reliance on farming and strong ties to ancestral lands.
The ongoing rains have left thousands displaced across the country this year alone, underscoring the urgent need for more robust disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts.