A Ugandan court has charged three former city officials with manslaughter and criminal negligence related to a deadly landslide at a garbage dump. The collapse occurred at the Kiteezi landfill in northern Kampala, resulting in the tragic deaths of 35 individuals.
The Kiteezi landfill, a vast site covering 36 acres, was overwhelmed by torrential rains that caused extensive flooding in August. The landslide buried people, homes, and livestock beneath mounds of hazardous waste.
The three officials from the Kampala Capital City Authority face 57 counts of manslaughter and criminal negligence. Uganda police spokesman Kituuma Rusoke confirmed the charges to AFP.
Following their charges, the officials will remain in prison until November 4, when they can apply for bail. They were terminated from their positions by President Yoweri Museveni in September.
According to Ugandan law, manslaughter convictions can result in a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Lawyer Moses Sserwanga highlighted the unprecedented nature of this charge against government officials.
In the aftermath of the landslide, Museveni announced financial compensation for victims’ families. Each family of a deceased victim will receive five million Ugandan shillings, while those injured will receive one million shillings.
Local media reports indicate that the landfill has been operational since 1996, receiving approximately 1,500 tonnes of garbage daily from across Kampala. In January, city mayor Erias Lukwago raised concerns about health risks for those living and working near the landfill due to overflowing waste.
The court proceedings are set to attract significant attention as they unfold in the coming weeks.