Landslides kill at least nine in Bukwo and Kween districts

At least nine people, including six members of the same family, have died after landslides struck Bukwo and Kween districts in eastern Uganda, local officials have confirmed.

The incident occurred after heavy overnight rainfall triggered mudslides across the Sebei sub-region on Wednesday. Among the victims were three children who were buried when their home was engulfed by mud in Nyalit parish, Chesower sub-county, Bukwo district.

Transport in the area was also disrupted after floodwaters swept debris onto the Kapchorwa–Suam road, burying the SIT Bridge.

According to David Kapcheronge, the LC5 councillor for Tuikat sub-county in Kween district, four families were affected. Six members of one household died, while several others were seriously injured.

Sipi Region police spokesperson, Fredmark Chesang, said police officers and residents had recovered the bodies, which were taken to Bukwo hospital mortuary for post-mortem examinations.

He added that rescue teams were continuing search operations amid fears that more people could still be trapped under the debris.

Authorities in Bukwo and Kween have appealed for emergency assistance from the government and humanitarian organisations as heavy rains persist, threatening more homes in the landslide-prone Sebei region.