More than dozen killed after torrential rain causes landslides in Western Uganda

As the torrential rain hit Uganda at least, 16 bodies have been recovered affected by landslides in western Uganda, said the Red Cross.

"Our team continues to recover more bodies, including some that are trapped by cocoa trees in Bundibugyo hills. It is a very devastating moment," the humanitarian agency said in a tweet on Sunday.

An aid team has been deployed to search and recover bodies in Bundibugyo district.

"We have provided body bags and blankets to manage the dead in a dignified manner before handing them over to families and hospitals," Irene Nakasita, Red Cross spokeswoman, said.

The East African nation is experiencing its second rainy season, which has reached its peak in most parts of the country.

National Meteorological Authority of Uganda has predicted heavy rainfall throughout December.

The heavy rains have caused destructive flooding in several low-lying parts of the country and landslides in the mountainous regions.

More than 20 people have been killed with floods and mudslides in the last week in Uganda.

"Four people including two children were killed in Sironko district and other four in Bududa district ," said Minister of state for disaster preparedness.

"Over 10,000 people have been displaced in eastern Uganda alone. The search is on to find out the number of missings.

The government has released more than $5.4m for emergency procurement.