Three Charcoal Burners Killed by Floods in Rukungiri

Three charcoal burners have died due to flooding following a heavy downpour in Rukungiri District. The incident occurred on Monday evening in Kyakabarisinga Village, Ibanda Parish, Nyarushanje Sub-county in Rubabo County. According to the Nyarushanje Sub-county LC3 Chairperson, Michael Musiime, a group of four people had been burning charcoal in a valley when they took shelter from heavy rain in a makeshift tent covered with a tarpaulin.

Floodwaters from a day-long downpour suddenly surged and swept away utensils, including saucepans and plates, that the group had been using to prepare food. As one of them rushed to retrieve the items, the floods intensified and swept away the makeshift shelter where the other three had taken refuge. The survivor raised an alarm, prompting nearby residents to rush to the scene. 

However, their rescue efforts were unsuccessful. Musiime said a search operation was launched, and the bodies of two victims were recovered later that night, while the third remained missing by Tuesday morning. One of the deceased has been identified as Nyekwaase, son of Gauda, from Kagunga Village in Rutengye Parish, Kashambya Sub-county in Rukiga District. 

Musiime said the identities of the other victims are still unknown, as they were not residents of the area. It is believed that some of them may have come from Kyempene in Rugarama, Ntungamo District. Musiime attributed the flooding to runoff from the hills of Kabuga, which lie between Rukungiri and Rukiga districts. He also blamed the disaster on extensive eucalyptus tree planting, which he said has left the soil bare and unable to retain water.

The LC1 Chairperson of Kyakabarisinga Village, Justus Ngabirano, said the incident has left residents in shock and added that the floods also destroyed several gardens in the area. The Kigezi region, known for its steep and rugged terrain, is highly prone to flooding. In a similar incident in February 2026, floods from Mount Muhabura in Nyarusiza Sub-county, Kisoro District, swept away two children, Blair Nyirabanasi (6) and Moris Maniragaba (8), while they were returning from collecting firewood.