12 bodies recovered in Bulambuli landslides

The 12 bodies of people who died in the landslides in Bulambuli district, eastern Uganda have been recovered.

The landslide, triggered by heavy rains on Wednesday, buried several homes and destroyed crops, leaving communities in shock and distress. They affected, Masugu town council and Kimamolo village in Buluganya sub-county, where 20 homes were buried.

According to Annette Nagudi, the LC V chairperson of Bulambuli district, residents have since been using rudimentary tools like hoes, garden forks and spades to retrieve bodies. She adds that they are waiting for an excavator from Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) Mbale head office to help recover more bodies.

Richard Namukono, the LC III chairperson of Buluganya sub-county says that they expect to recover more bodies since several houses were buried. Emmanuel Masuba one of the residents says that no official from the district or central government has visited the affected areas. 

The landslides also occurred in Kesenji village, Zebibi parish, Bukyabo sub-county, Sironko district, where 58-year-old Grace Wanyeze was buried inside her home.