Editor
In Kamugoyi village, Muhidura parish, Kababa Sub County, Kisoro district, a devastating landslide has resulted in the tragic loss of two children and critical injuries to their 80-year-old grandmother. The victims, Laban Irasubiza Laban (13) and Brian Niyonsaba (8), were residing with seven other family members when the incident occurred on Tuesday around 9 pm. The family was gathered in their grass hut, some awaiting food while others were asleep.
Jahena Georgina, the grandmother, is currently in critical condition at Kisoro hospital, despite the desperate rescue efforts of Babona Gideon and his wife Jolly Jennifer, the parents of the deceased children.
Molly Nyirarukundo, a Uganda Red Cross Volunteer, has highlighted the widespread impact of the landslide on Muhidura Parish and the surrounding areas. The disaster has caused extensive damage to crops, houses, toilets, and community roads. Nyirarukundo stressed the urgent need for residents living on hill slopes to consider relocating to safer areas.
As of the latest information, no local government leader has visited the area to assess the situation. This has led residents to question the government’s responsibility toward the vulnerable population actively participating in the democratic process.
This tragic event recalls a similar catastrophe in May 2023 when heavy rainfall triggered mudslides in Murora sub-county and Bunagana town council, resulting in the loss of at least 10 lives in Kisoro district. Additionally, mudslides claimed approximately eight more lives in Rukiga, Rubanda, Kanungu, and Kabale during the same period.
