By Daniel Edyegu & Paul Watala
KAMPALA (NNN-NEW VISION) -- More than 40 people have been reported killed in a deadly landslide Sunday night in Bulambuli district in the Mt. Elgon region of Bugisu in eastern Uganda, with the victims buried as they slept in their houses in Sisiyi and Buluganya sub-counties in the newly-created district. A year ago, a landslide hit neighbouring Bududa district killing more than 100 people.
By Monday evening, 36 bodies had been retrieved from the debris in the two sub-counties with eight bodies recovered in Buluganya and 28 recovered in Sisiyi sub-county while three people died after being taken to the Bulambuli health centre.
According to residents, rains had pounded the district from Sunday at around noon, triggering the landslides at about 1.00 am on Monday. A separate landslide occurred in Chemanganga parish in Sipi sub-county in the neighbouring Kapchorwa district.
According to the district information officer, Doreen Kapsulei, a 12-year-old pupil identified as Fred Wozei was killed. The boy was grazing cattle when the landslide occurred. He was buried together with the animals.
The Bulambuli landslides buried seven villages, including Mabono, Kigewa, Lunkungu, Bamwidyeki, Kamwenyi and Kimuli all in Sisiyi sub-county. Gombe and Nalusato villages in Buluganya sub-county were also buried.
The landslides cut off a large chunk of land on the road at Kimuli trading centre in Gibuzale village, Mabono parish, cutting off the road that runs from Bulambuli town up to the hills.
Buginyanya, Masira, Bulago, Lusha, Bumasobo and Bugibole sub-counties located on the mountain were cut off.
The slides buried the Budyeke nursery school, Mabono Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) Church, shops and the Uganda National Farmers’ Association project that had been dealing in organic farming and coffee. Two chemist shops and the Heifer International Project Uganda office were also buried.
Agnes Mukoya, the focal person for the Red Cross Sironko branch, said bodies which were recovered were handed over to the police, while those retrieved still alive were taken to Mbale Hospital. -- NNN-NEW VISION
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