On March 20, 1966 CE, a powerful earthquake, estimated at magnitude 6.9, struck the Lake Edward region on the border of Congo and Uganda. This was the most destructive earthquake in recent African history at the time, with damage centered about the town of Bundibugyo. The earthquake caused significant damage and loss of life.

The 1966 Lake Edward earthquake is a significant event in the history of East Africa and is documented in scientific and historical accounts. The disaster inspired contemporary poems and stories that reflected on the power of nature and the resilience of the people. The earthquake is a notable example in the literature of the region, where it is used to explore themes of environment, identity, and the constant threat of catastrophe.