KAMPALA- The President of National Unity Platform Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Bobi-wine has said that the devastating Kiteezi tragedy, which resulted in loss of life, was not an environmental accident but a preventable consequence of government negligence.
A tragic incident occurred on the 10th of this month, resulting in a devastating loss of lives. A least 35 bodies have been recovered, while the police investigation team reports that 28 individuals are still missing.
Kyagulanyi, accompanied by other NUP leaders, met with victims at Kiteezi Church of Uganda Primary School, who have criticized the government’s labelling of the tragedy as an environmental disaster. He argued that the disaster was predictable and preventable, and that the government’s inaction despite prior knowledge constitutes negligence.
“This was an environmental issue like those landslides we have witnessed in Kasese or Bududa. This has been known by KCCA and parliament, because the area woman MP Naluyimba brought this concern of Kiteezi to the flow of parliament, but nothing was done, it was ignored.” Kyagulanyi noted.
He said that the acquisition of land in Dundu and Kasenge, Mukono, was evidence that Kiteezi was meant to be shut down. Instead, the government’s inaction allowed the dangerous site to continue operating.
Joel Ssenyonyi, the NUP spokesperson and leader of opposition, demanded the arrest and prosecution of officials who neglected their duties, leading to the Kiteezi disaster.
“We demand justice for these people, ever since the tragedy happened, no one has been arrested, yet we all know this was not a disaster unpreparedness, the government knew about. So, we want them to have justice by having people who are negligent for their jobs, but also the government should compensate them. Ssenyonyi said.
Ssenyonyi said the government’s failure to prioritize the welfare and safety of its citizens, have started resulting in unnecessary loss of life and suffering among Ugandans.
NUP have joined other concerned Ugandans who have brought in aid in terms of food, bedsheets among others to the affected more than 300 residents who are sleeping in the humanitarian tents of Uganda Red-Cross.
