4 killed in fresh landslides in eastern Uganda

KAMPALA, Uganda

At least four people were killed in eastern Uganda after fresh landslides hit Bududa district, a local official confirmed on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, the heavy rains caused fresh floods sweeping more than 20 houses and several crop gardens.

Willson Watila, Bududa local council chairman, said that four bodies have been recovered in Busika sub-county.

Currently, Uganda Red Cross has been engaged in search and rescue efforts for the victims.

Uganda police also joined the efforts, but accessibility to the areas affected by the landslide is still difficult due to blocked roads.

Robert Tukei, police spokesman of Elgon region, told Anadolu Agency that police could not yet determine the exact number of people killed or missing, while many are feared dead.

Godfrey Watenga Nabutanyi, a parliament member for Lutseshe constituency, said rains washed away several bridges, paralyzing movement in the district.

The landslides harshly hit the bridges connecting Bubiita and Buwali sub-counties, Bulucheke and Bushiyi sub-counties across River Manafa, as well as Buwali and Kwushu town council.

Bududa is located in the foothills of Mt. Elgon, which lies on the border between Uganda and Kenya, and is prone to landslides.

In 2018, at least 51 people died when landslides hit Bukalasi and Buwali sub-counties in Bududa. More than 850 people were displaced.