Authorities in Kampala have launched an investigation into the collapse of a section of the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Landfill in Kiteezi, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The collapse resulted in damage to nearby houses and livestock, though no casualties have been confirmed as of the time of this report. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with residents and authorities working together to assess the damage.
KCCA’s Response and Ongoing Investigations
In a statement, KCCA assured the public that teams, in collaboration with other government agencies, are on the ground taking necessary measures to secure the area and prevent further incidents.
“We are closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the community. We will update you because this is a developing story,” the statement read.
Previous Warnings and Health Concerns
This collapse follows warnings from Kampala Lord Mayor, Mr. Erias Lukwago, who in January 2024, highlighted the risks posed by the Kiteezi landfill.
During a site visit on January 9, Mr. Lukwago warned that the landfill’s condition was a serious public health hazard.
He called for the relocation of the landfill to a new site in Dundu, Mukono District, or the development of the four acres of land adjacent to the current landfill in Kiteezi, which the government had already procured.
Mr. Lukwago cited the Solid Waste Management Ordinance of 2000, under which a policy is being developed to manage solid waste in Kampala.
He stressed the need for immediate intervention to address health and safety concerns, as well as to ensure the efficiency of waste collection and sanitation within the city.
Residents’ Concerns and Historical Issues
Residents living near the landfill have long expressed concern about the untreated waste that frequently overflows into their homes and gardens.
Stella Nantaba, a resident of Kiteezi, voiced her fears about the potential health risks, noting that the discharge from the landfill could cause serious diseases such as cancer and contaminate food sources.
The Kiteezi landfill, established in 1996, has become severely overburdened, turning its 36 acres into towering “hills” of garbage. Despite the government’s acquisition of 136 acres in Dundu, Mukono District, for a new landfill, little progress has been made in relocating the waste site.
Challenges in Managing the Landfill
Earlier this year, Daniel Nuweabine, a research and business analyst at KCCA, attributed the challenges in managing the Kiteezi landfill to limited resources.
He acknowledged the worrying state of the landfill and stressed the need for collective action to improve its management.
However, eight months after these concerns were raised, authorities have yet to respond or address the issues.
The collapse of the landfill has now brought these long-standing issues to the forefront, highlighting the urgent need for action to ensure the safety and health of the surrounding community.