Museveni Orders Investigation Into Kiteezi Landfill Tragedy
President Yoweri Museveni has expressed his condolences to the families of those who tragically lost their lives in a landslide at Kiteezi, a suburb of Kampala, on Saturday.
The incident occurred when part of a massive rubbish heap in the area broke off, burying several nearby residents. The President’s statement raises critical questions about the circumstances leading to the tragedy and the safety protocols in place.
In his address, Museveni questioned how people were permitted to live in such a hazardous area, noting the health dangers posed not only by the landslide but also by the effluent from the rubbish heap.
“Even without peeling off and burying people, the effluent alone must be hazardous to health,” he said.
He compared the Kiteezi rubbish heap, which contains a mix of plastics and other waste, to traditional refuse heaps made from organic material, emphasizing the heightened risk.
President Museveni revealed that he had spoken with Dorothy Kisakka, who informed him about earlier attempts to relocate the rubbish heap to Dundu. However, Dundu residents opposed the move, opting instead to explore ways to utilize the waste for generating electricity and other purposes. Despite these efforts, the President pointed out that the fundamental issue remains unresolved: why human settlement was allowed so close to the hazardous site.
In response to the disaster, Museveni has tasked Deputy Inspector General of Government (IGG) Anne Muhairwe with conducting an immediate investigation into the matter.
He also directed Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja to coordinate the evacuation of households from the danger zone and ensure the recovery of those still buried under the debris.
The President’s statement also served as a broader warning to Ugandans about the dangers of settling in hazardous areas, such as wetlands, lakeshores, riverbanks, and forests, which can expose them to various risks including landslides, floods, and diseases like Ebola and monkeypox. Museveni criticized both technical and political figures who encourage such settlements, calling them “enemies” of the people.
The Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) Special Forces have been deployed to assist in the rescue efforts. Additionally, the President has directed the State House Comptroller to provide financial assistance to the families of the victims, with UGX 5 million allocated per deceased person and UGX 1 million for each injured individual. He clarified that this support is separate from any legal compensation that may arise if a government agency is found liable for the disaster.
President Museveni concluded his statement by praying for the souls of the deceased and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. The tragedy has sparked renewed calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations in Uganda’s rapidly urbanizing areas.
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum