Four Children Perish, One Missing as Landslides Devastate Buhweju Homes

Heavy rains on Thursday night led to devastating landslides in Rukiri Parish, Buhweju District, resulting in the deaths of four children and leaving one missing. The torrential downpour caused the Ndurumo River to overflow, unleashing mudslides that buried two homes near Rukiri Primary School.

Local residents demonstrated remarkable resilience, rushing to the scene with hand hoes to excavate the debris in a desperate bid to rescue their neighbors. According to Mr. John Bosco Tumuhereze, LC3 Chairman of Bihanga Sub-County, the bodies of the deceased have been transferred to Bihanga Health Center III.

Tumuhereze recounted the harrowing events, describing how a rapid increase in rain intensity, carrying black soil, forced one individual to seek refuge in a mango tree as the landslide struck. He also detailed the tragic loss of a mother and child, with the mother being swept away while attempting to save her infant, who remains missing.

Another child, aged 11, died instantly. Among those rescued were Atwijukire Godwin and Tumuhiibise Lawrence. The home of an elderly man named Fransico was also destroyed, along with two houses and the belongings of the families residing there.

Mr. Denis Kamugisha, Councillor for Rukiri Parish, stated that over six children were initially swept away, though one was rescued. The search for the missing child, who is believed to be very young, continued into the night. One rescued child remains in critical condition, and rescue operations are ongoing.

Residents have appealed to the government for urgent assistance, highlighting the dire living conditions and the complete loss of property experienced by the affected families. As of the time of this report, police had not yet released an official statement, and concerns about further landslides in the hilly terrain of Buhweju District persist.