The downpour in most parts of Kampala and Wakiso districts has disrupted the third day of rescue operations at the collapsed Kiteezi landfill. Since morning, joint rescue efforts by Uganda Police Rescue Services, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), and the Ministry of Transport and Works have been paused.
All excavators, graders, and tractors are parked, waiting for the rainfall to decrease so that the rescue efforts can safely continue. An officer from Fire and Rescue Services involved in the operation told URN that they were waiting for the rain to subside before resuming.
"Rainfall has disrupted us; it has been raining since morning. We hope to resume once it stops," the officer said. Government authorities, led by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, are expected to meet with the affected residents and local leaders to discuss providing additional support, including plans to relocate all families from Kiteezi.
Hassan Kayemba, the LC1 chairperson of Kiteezi, has emphasized the urgent needs of his community, particularly for those displaced and currently living in tents. "We need more tents, food, water, bed sheets, and also toilets. We have many people, but the support from the Red Cross is not enough at the moment," Kayemba said.
Residents of Kiteezi are urging the government to focus on providing a comprehensive and effective resettlement plan, rather than attributing blame for their initial settlement in the area.
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Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, who visited the scene, has stressed the urgent need for the Ugandan government to adopt modern waste management strategies, similar to those used in other countries. He emphasized that this is crucial to prevent future catastrophic disasters like the Kiteezi landfill collapse.
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At least 21 bodies have been retrieved since Saturday, with 14 casualties as the rescue operations continue.
Kamali. M James
Freelancer