As the country continues to grapple with the aftermath of the tragic Kiteezi landfill collapse, which claimed the lives of more than 30 people, the issue of waste management in Kampala has taken on new urgency.
With the city’s main landfill closed indefinitely, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has been left scrambling for alternatives to handle the growing waste generated by the city’s residents and businesses.
In the wake of the tragedy, KCCA sought immediate relief from neighbouring Mukono Municipality, which temporarily granted them access to the Katikolo landfill.
Now, KCCA is looking to secure a more long-term solution, as negotiations are set to begin with Mukono Municipal Council to extend the use of the Katikolo facility.
The discussions come amid mounting pressure to improve waste disposal infrastructure and prevent future disasters.
While Mukono has been accommodating in the short term, the strain on both municipalities’ resources underscores the need for sustainable solutions to Kampala’s waste management crisis.
Efforts to find other landfill sites around Kampala have faced strong opposition from neighbouring areas, with concerns about the environmental and health risks from the massive amount of waste the city generates.
During a special City Council meeting to tackle the garbage crisis, councillors demanded an update from Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and the Central Executive Committee (CEC) on their progress.
After a heated debate, City Speaker Zahara Luyilika paused the meeting for 30 minutes to allow the CEC to prepare a report.
But when the session resumed, none of the CEC members returned, frustrating the councillors.
The council was informed that the Katikolo landfill is currently the only option for waste disposal.
However, the Mukono municipality will decide on Thursday if KCCA can continue using the site.
Katikolo, which operates just three hours a day, cannot keep up with Kampala’s waste, which needs about 173 truckloads cleared daily.
In response, the council agreed to form a committee to negotiate with Mukono leaders.
They also proposed a city-wide garbage collection day, urging councillors to lead efforts to clean their communities and prevent waste buildup.
Additionally, they paused the search for new landfill land until a detailed report on alternatives like Ddundu and Nakawuka is presented.
Lukwago also revealed that Total Energies had stopped supplying fuel to KCCA due to unpaid debts of Ugx2.3 billion, which could halt garbage trucks and make the situation worse.
“With this announcement from Total, we are heading for a disaster,” he cautioned.
He thanked councillors for asserting their mandate and urged them to continue holding responsible officials accountable until a permanent solution is found.
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