By Weswa Ronnie
BULAMBULI
Government has extended the recovery operation in Bulunganya Sub-county, Bulambuli District, following widespread community appeals for the continuation of the search for loved ones lost in last month’s catastrophic landslide.
This was revealed by Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Relief, and Refugees, Lillian Aber on Tuesday, 31st December, 2024 during a visit to Buluganya landslide site.
Initially government had plans of stopping the search of missing persons by December 27th 2024 but the operation will now continue as authorities weigh the logistical challenges against the community’s grief.
The disaster struck over a month ago. So far, 42 bodies have been recovered, with the most recent two recovered on Friday, 27th December.
According to the UPDF Third Division spokesperson, Patrick Oware, hardened ground conditions have severely hindered manual recovery efforts.
“The ground is hard, and we cannot carry out manual recovery effectively,” Oware explained, noting that the two excavators provided by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) remain on-site as authorities await guidance from the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness.
He pointed out that bodies buried under the soil have likely decomposed beyond recognition, making identification nearly impossible without DNA testing.
“While we respect the community’s desire to continue, we believe that further excavation may not yield significant results,” Oware said.
Annet Nandudu, the LCV chairperson of Bulambuli expressed her joy with government’s decision to extend the search saying that they suspect more bodies to be underground which need to be removed during this sunny season.
