Death toll rises to 20 in Bulambuli landslide tragedy

The death toll from the devastating landslides in Bulambuli District has climbed to 20 after five more bodies were recovered on Friday. Search efforts, led by police and locals, continue as 113 people remain missing.

Triggered by heavy rains lasting nearly 10 hours on Wednesday, the landslides buried 45 homes in Musugu, Namathele, and Mamolo villages at the foot of Mt. Elgon.

Crops and livestock were destroyed, and 20 people sustained injuries, now receiving treatment at Buluganya Health Center III.

Efforts to rescue survivors have been hindered by bad weather and impassable roads, delaying the delivery of equipment and ambulances. Residents, armed with basic tools, continue to dig through the debris.

“We need heavy equipment to speed up the recovery,” pleaded John Manana, a resident of Musugu village.

The disaster also swept through homes and a church in Sooti Sub-county and destroyed a vital bridge connecting Sooti and Simu sub-counties.

Local leaders have criticized the slow pace of government resettlement efforts for those in high-risk areas. “Instead of relocating families to safer places, the government offers condolences after lives are lost,” lamented NUP district chairperson Denis Wanyoro.

Experts link the frequent landslides to deforestation, poor farming practices, and unstable soils. Researcher Steven Masiga emphasizes the need for reforestation to stabilize the soil and prevent future disasters.

Efforts to recover the missing and support affected families are ongoing, with calls for more robust disaster response mechanisms.