Mukono Diverts Katikolo Composite Funds To Land Purchase

Garbage crisis continues to be a serious concern in Uganda, with waste management challenges persisting across various municipalities.

However, the funds meant for rehabilitating the Katikolo composite site have been diverted to land acquisition.

Mukono Municipal Council has opted to use part of the allocation from Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to purchase additional land, a decision that has drawn both support and criticism from the community.

KCCA had pledged Ugx 666 million to rehabilitate the Katikolo composite site as a token of appreciation for Mukono allowing the city authority to dispose of waste at Katikolo following challenges at the Kiteezi landfill.

However, in a unanimous resolution, the Mukono Municipal Technical Planning Committee (TPC) decided to allocate Ugx 300 million of this funding towards acquiring additional land for site expansion.

Justification for Land Acquisition

Town Clerk Francis Byabagambi defended the decision, citing legal concerns. He emphasised that the purchase of additional land aims to mitigate the risk of litigation from individuals claiming ownership of encroached land.

“The initiative is part of our strategic efforts to expand and enhance waste management capacity. Currently, we are waiting for the Solicitor General’s approval to finalize the procurement process,” Byabagambi said.

Previously, the municipal council had agreed to KCCA’s offer to improve infrastructure around the Katikolo dumpsite.

The agreement included grading community roads, compacting garbage, installing a perimeter fence, and setting up drainage systems.

The funding was also meant to facilitate community engagements, construct a three-phase power connection, and install water harvesting tanks.

However, officials now plan to finance these developments through the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Program (GKMA UDP), from which Mukono hopes to secure Ugx 241.86 million.

Community Concerns and Allegations of Land Mismanagement

The council’s decision to focus on acquiring only two acres, rather than advocating for government support to purchase the full 30 acres required for the composite plant, has sparked discontent among residents.

Katikolo landfill currently occupies six acres, but government assessments have determined that a 30-acre site is necessary to establish a fecal sludge and treatment plant for waste processing within the Kampala Metropolitan Area.

The valuation indicates that each acre in the area costs Ugx 150 million.

Adding to the controversy, community members have raised concerns about the ownership history of the Katikolo land.

Official records indicate that in 2006, Mukono Municipal Council acquired ten acres, but this has since been reduced to six acres under unclear circumstances.

There are allegations that prominent local leaders may have taken over parts of the land and are now attempting to sell it back to the government.

Residents have called for the Directorate of Public Procurement and Asset Disposal to investigate the matter before approving the municipality’s request.

They argue that proper accountability should be established to prevent potential mismanagement of public funds.

Meanwhile, the shifting priorities in the municipality’s plans could result in delays in the disbursement of the funds initially promised by the government, adding another layer of uncertainty to the future of waste management at Katikolo.

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