Eleven people have died after mudslides hit districts in the Kigezi region. The mudslides follow the heavy rains that started on Tuesday night and continued through to Wednesday morning.
In Rubanda district, the mudslides claimed the life of Trust Nabaasa, a resident of Nyamirima village, Kyokyezo parish, Nyamweru sub-county, and Judith Gomoshabe, from Karambo village in Muko sub-county.
In Rukiga district, Eddie Mugisha, the Rwamucucu Sub County LCIII Chairperson said that Asaph Mubangizi Koojo, and his eight-month-old child from Noozi village, Noozi parish in Rwamucucu sub county died after the mudslides ravaged their house at around midnight when they were sleeping. Another resident in Kanyasharwe Village, Kashamba Sub County, Jasper Akansasira was also killed.
Akansasira’s three children were however rescued and are hospitalized in a critical condition.
Three bridges along the Kangondo-Noozi-Butambi road, which connects, Rwamucucu sub-county and Rubanda district sub-county of Nyamweru were also completely washed away by floods.
The mudslides also hit Kisoro District causing the death of six people.
Eunice Akankwasa, Kisoro District Environment Officer says that the mudslides ravaged Gicuha and Biizi villages in the Murora sub-county. She also says that an unknown number of people are still missing.
Kigezi region is among the areas in Uganda currently receiving heavy and violent rainfall. On Saturday, a group of people brewing local waragi along the Rushaya River in Kagorogoro village, Rukungiri District were washed away by floods after the river burst its banks.
The river flooded beyond its banks about 50 meters from its original path flow. Edson Ngabirano 30, Bonny Kyabasasi 64, and One Kabare all casual workers and residents of the same village died.
Arthur Birungi alias Kasingye, Maria Brian Ahereza, Turyasingura, Tibamwenda, Bukoko, Boyi, and Kadungunyu were rescued.