Tragedy Strikes Kasese as Landslide Claims Life of 13-Year-Old Girl

A somber mood has descended upon Kibandama village in Kilembe sub-county, Kasese district, following the tragic death of 13-year-old Mary Kabugho in a devastating landslide. The young girl went to bed alongside five family members on Tuesday night, unaware she would not live to see the morning.  

The heartbreaking incident occurred around 11 pm during relentless heavy rains that pounded the area from 8 pm until midnight. Dominic Masereka, the 80-year-old father of the deceased, recounted the horrific moment when a massive mudflow struck their home. "We were jolted awake by the sound of debris crashing into the children's sleeping area," Masereka told Salt TV, his voice trembling with grief. "When I rushed to check, I found my daughter buried under the mud."  

Neighbors worked frantically through the night to help retrieve the girl's body from the rubble. Two other children in the room - Raulent Thembo and Innocent Kule - miraculously escaped with minor injuries.  

Tragically, Kabugho had just returned home that evening from a two-day visit to her grandparents in nearby Kalonge village. "She arrived late and went straight to bed," Masereka explained. "None of us imagined this would be her last night with us."  

The heavy rainfall has caused widespread destruction across Kasese district, damaging roads, water sources, and leaving water oozing from the ground in some areas. Major rivers originating from Mount Rwenzori, including Nyamughasana, Nyamwamba, and Mubuku, have swollen dangerously.  

In a separate incident, Harriet Muzawimana, a resident of Kabuga village in Karusandara sub-county, drowned while attempting to cross the swollen Kabuga stream, a tributary of River Mubuku. The mother was returning from her garden around 7 am when she was swept away by the raging waters.  

SP Nelson Tumushiime, Rwenzori East Regional Police Spokesperson, confirmed both incidents and warned residents in disaster-prone areas to relocate immediately. "We're investigating these tragic events, but we urge people to prioritize their safety by moving to more secure locations," Tumushiime stated.  

Local farmer Nelson Masereka expressed growing concerns about the deteriorating road network, which threatens to disrupt agricultural activities. "With roads in this condition, how will we get our produce to market?" he questioned.  

As the community mourns, authorities are pleading with residents to take precautionary measures, particularly moving children from upper rooms that are vulnerable to landslides. The twin tragedies serve as a grim reminder of the deadly consequences of extreme weather events in the mountainous Rwenzori region.