Heavy rains trigger fatal mudslides in Rubanda

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One person has been confirmed dead and several homes, gardens and roads destroyed following devastating mudslides triggered by heavy rains in Nshanjare town council, Rubanda district.

The incident occurred on the night of March 8, 2026, when heavy rainfall triggered mudslides and fast-moving water that swept through several villages, leaving widespread destruction and panic among residents.

According to Amos Byaruhanga, the speaker of Nshanjare town council and LC5 councillor representing the area, the deceased has been identified as Deus Twinomujuni, a resident of Bisizi cell in Kivunga ward.

“The deceased was hit by a mudslide with strong running water during the heavy rains on Sunday night. His lifeless body was later discovered in a garden downstream,” Byaruhanga said.

He added that the disaster affected all 18 villages in Nshanjare town council, destroying crop gardens, damaging homes and leaving many residents counting heavy losses.

The most affected areas include Kivunga, Mushunga, Butabonana, Kagogo, Kabaya, Ryamihanda, Ihunga, Kiriba, Nshanjare, Mengo and Mashoho cells.

Several key roads were also severely damaged by the mudslides, cutting residents off from essential services such as markets and health facilities. Among the affected routes are the Nshanjare–Kivunga road, Nshanjare–Ihunga road, Nshanjare–Mashoho road and Nshanjare–Kagogo road, which are currently impassable.

Byaruhanga has appealed to government leaders and relevant authorities to urgently intervene and support the affected communities, particularly by reopening the damaged roads to restore transport and movement.

“We call upon government leaders to assist residents, especially in reopening the roads so that people can access basic facilities like markets and health services,” he added.

The late Deus Twinomujuni is survived by a wife and one child. He will be laid to rest today, Tuesday, at his ancestral home in Nshanjare town council.

Local leaders say a comprehensive assessment of the damage is needed as affected families struggle to recover from the disaster.