The death toll from the Kiteezi landfill collapse in Wakiso District on Saturday morning has risen to 23, authorities confirmed on Sunday. President Yoweri Museveni has called for an immediate investigation into the tragic event.
Daniel Nuwe Abine, the acting spokesperson for the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), provided an update on the situation, stating, “The situation is getting calmer. We continue to retrieve bodies. The cumulative number of those who have died stands at 23.” He also mentioned that 14 people were injured, though some have already been discharged from the hospital.
As search and rescue efforts continue, the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) has launched an investigation into the landfill collapse, following a directive from President Museveni. IGG spokesperson Ali Munira announced the commencement of the probe on Sunday, saying, “We were on the ground and took statements from several individuals. We are committed to conducting this investigation as quickly as possible because the president requires urgent information.”
Munira did not provide a specific timeline for when the findings would be presented to the president or the public, stating, “Given the number of parties involved, we cannot set a definitive date for the conclusion of the investigation, but we will expedite the process.”
She also called for full cooperation from those asked to provide statements or information to investigators.
In response to the tragedy, President Museveni directed Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja to coordinate the removal of households in the danger zone and to ensure the recovery of any remaining individuals believed to be trapped under the rubble.
The president also used the incident as a warning, urging Ugandans to avoid settling in hazardous areas such as wetlands, lakeshores, riverbanks, and forests, which are prone to natural disasters and health risks. “People-technical or political who encourage them to do so are, actually, their enemies,” Museveni cautioned on X, formerly Twitter. “How many times have we lost people in such mountain landslides, floods, etc.? Let us learn and keep away from danger.”
Museveni also announced that State House would provide financial assistance of Sh5 million to the families of each deceased person and Sh1 million to each injured individual. He clarified that this assistance is separate from any legal compensation that may be awarded if a government agency is found responsible for the disaster.
