Panic has gripped residents after ground cracks in Mbale City caused the land to sink. The sudden fault lines split villages and threatened homes, schools, and infrastructure. Several families in Bumboi fled in fear.
The worst affected villages are Kiduwa, Kidobo, Magahala, and Shidula. Residents watched in shock as houses slowly collapsed into widening cracks.
Sarah Kainza, a local resident, described how her home caved in. She said the crack appeared at 9pm while her family was in the sitting room. From that day, the house sunk gradually until it became uninhabitable.
Another resident, Mafabi Sulai, blamed the disaster on a heavy downpour. He said the rain lasted about an hour before the ground gave way.
Public institutions also face risk. Bumboi Primary School, a government-aided facility, developed cracks in classrooms for lower primary pupils. Headteacher David Livingstone Wamono fears children are exposed to high danger if they continue learning there.
Neighbouring districts have reported similar problems. Communities in Namisindwa, Sironko, and Bulambuli also face ground cracks and sinking houses.
Geologist Jamal Godi from the Islamic University in Uganda explained the cause. He said slope failure happens when rainwater weakens the soil. The water undercuts ground materials and detaches them from the slope, leaving fault lines.
Authorities in Mbale have not released an official statement. Meanwhile, residents remain uneasy as cracks expand and threaten more homes. Many families have relocated, fearing worse disasters if rains persist.
The appearance of ground cracks in Mbale City shows the risks of slope instability, heavy rainfall, and human activity. For now, affected residents wait anxiously for government action and long-term safety measures.
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