Uganda Rubbish Heap Collapse Deaths Rise to 24

— The death toll from a rubbish collapse at the Kiteezi landfill in Kampala has risen to 24, with rescuers continuing their search for victims. Among the deceased are at least four children, as reported by police. The incident, which occurred on Friday, is believed to have been caused by heavy rainfall leading to a “structural failure in waste mass,” according to city authorities. The exact circumstances surrounding the collapse remain unclear, and the number of individuals still unaccounted for is unknown. The Kiteezi landfill, a significant waste disposal site in a low-income area, receives hundreds of garbage trucks daily. Despite being declared full years ago, the site continues to operate, attracting scavengers, including women and children, who collect plastic waste for sale. Some residents have even established permanent homes in the vicinity, raising concerns about safety and health risks associated with living near the landfill. In response to the tragedy, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has called for an investigation, questioning why people were allowed to reside so close to a hazardous waste site. He emphasized the dangers posed by the landfill, noting that the effluent from the site is toxic enough to warrant the evacuation of nearby residents. The government’s ongoing efforts to decommission the landfill highlight the urgent need for improved waste management and safety measures in the area. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this disaster, the focus remains on the victims and the pressing need for accountability and reform in waste management practices in Uganda.