In a devastating incident at the Kiteezi landfill in Uganda's capital city, Kampala, at least 17 people have lost their lives due to a landslide. The disaster occurred following weeks of heavy rainfall, causing a massive hill made up of accumulated waste to collapse. As rescue teams tirelessly search through the debris, hopes of finding survivors remain uncertain.

Kampala Mayor, Erias Lukwago, expressed that the disaster was an event waiting to happen, emphasizing the potential for more victims buried under the wreckage. The landfill, spanning 36 acres (14 hectares), serves the entire population of Kampala, an estimated four million people. Reports from Reuters state that houses on the outskirts of the site were engulfed while residents slept, further compounding the tragic nature of the incident.

The city authorities have long been grappling with the issue of finding an alternative location for the landfill. Despite concerted efforts to identify a new site, no progress has been made thus far. President Yoweri Museveni has since ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the proximity of dwellings to the hazardous landfill. The president also ordered the immediate evacuation of individuals residing within the "danger zone."

Initially reported as eight casualties, the death toll rose as additional bodies were recovered from the scene, according to Kampala police spokesperson Patrick Onyango. Alongside the fatalities, 14 people have been successfully rescued from the wreckage. Onyango affirmed that the rescue operation will continue until authorities ascertain that no one remains trapped beneath the debris.

The tragic impact of the landslide extends beyond the immediate victims, with approximately 1,000 individuals forced to leave their homes due to the disaster. Although it remains unclear how many people were residing on or near the site, the landslide has undoubtedly upended the lives of many. The Uganda Red Cross has been working diligently to provide temporary shelter, offering tents to those affected by the tragedy.

While some argue that the disaster was inevitable, Nigeria's sports minister has defended the situation as an unavoidable occurrence. However, there are doubts and concerns among many in the country regarding the circumstances and precautions that should have been taken to prevent such a tragedy.

As rescue efforts persist, the entire nation mourns the loss of lives and awaits further updates on the ongoing investigation. The tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the urgent need to address waste management practices and find a safer alternative for Uganda's capital city.

Note: The generated article is a summary written in accordance with the provided information and does not claim to represent the entirety of the situation.