KAMPALA- The death toll at collapsed Kiteezi landfill has risen to 34 people as the operations continue.
The deceased have been identified, Nassiwa Leticia aged 9 years, Nakalema Benitta aged 1 year, Katerega Simon aged 6 years, Nakitto Moureen aged 29 years.
Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, Patrick Onyango, has said today’s operations have been interrupted by bad weather.
He said the rescue teams at the Kiteezi site are facing a significant challenge due to the waterlogged conditions, which has hindered progress and delayed the completion of the operations.
By Wednesday, Police had recorded 30 bodies retrieved by the ongoing rescue operations at Kiteezi collapsed landfill, with only 23 bodies taken by the relatives, while seven bodies remain unclaimed at KCCA City Mortuary Mulago.
Initial findings indicate that the catastrophic event on Saturday last week engulfed more than 30 households. Meanwhile the Uganda Police Force will conduct DNA tests on some of the bodies retrieved from the Kiteezi landfill collapse due to discrepancies in family claims and uncertain identification.
Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Patrick Onyango revealed that the mortuary still holds several unidentified bodies, including that of Abdul Nasir, a victim of the Kiteezi landfill collapse. Notably, Nasir’s family has been searching for him since 2022, claiming they had been unaware of his fate until now.
Abdul Nasir’s disappearance was previously reported at Wandegeya Police Station, but his case took a surprising turn when his name appeared on the list of victims of the Kiteezi landfill collapse.
To confirm the identity, Police Spokesperson Patrick Onyango explained that they will conduct a DNA test, starting with a sample from the father who claims him as his son. “A man purporting to be Abdul’s father has presented only a National ID, but lacks supporting testimony or documentation. Due to concerns about fraudulent claims, we will conduct DNA testing to authenticate his relationship, “Onyango explained.
He said they still wait for the families of the remaining 6 unclaimed bodies at City Mortuary Mulago. “Claimants must provide concrete evidence to establish their relationship before we can release the body for burial. We will verify their claims to ensure the deceased is handed over to the rightful family,” Onyango noted.
“The rescue operation has been hindered by a waterlogged site, forcing us to divert efforts to create a drainage channel. This setback has delayed our progress, and unfortunately, we have not recovered any bodies yet,” said an officer involved in the rescue efforts.”
