Struggling with waste crisis persists in Uganda, one year later
In the heart of Uganda's capital, Kampala, a significant shift in waste management is underway, following a series of events that have raised concerns about the city's waste disposal practices.
On August 9, 2024, an avalanche of rubbish from Kampala's municipal landfill nearly buried Zamhall Nansamba's family and their home in Kiteezi, a suburb of Kampala. The incident left more than 70 houses destroyed, claimed the lives of 34 people, and left over 20 individuals missing.
In response, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) immediately closed the Kiteezi landfill and ordered residents living near the landslide-prone area to vacate due to the risk of further collapse.
The KCCA's actions were not limited to Kiteezi. Work on the Kiteezi landfill included compressing about 500,000 tons of waste, with the help of Japanese engineers, to prevent further accidents. Simultaneously, the city administration purchased 90 hectares of land in Buyala, 27 kilometers west of Kampala, to establish a new landfill site.
The KCCA insists the land near Buyala, where garbage is being dumped, was legally acquired from two private individuals in March. However, the National Forestry Authority spokesperson, Aldon Walukamba, claims that the controversial dumping ground is located in a forest reserve. A court ordered an investigation into this matter.
Meanwhile, the KCCA has outlined a new approach to waste management. Uganda's new landfills will function as recycling centers, with the municipality planning to create a composting project to produce biogas from 80% of Kampala's household trash, which is mainly organic. The remaining waste could potentially be recycled.
The KCCA's commitment to this new approach was further demonstrated when the Japanese government recently provided $1 million in funding to secure the landfill, including machinery and Japanese engineers.
In a bid to address the needs of those affected by the Kiteezi landslide, a cabinet meeting has drafted a memorandum, and an order has been issued for the relevant Finance Ministry to pay victims. The victims of the Kiteezi landslide are still waiting for compensation to live safely.
In a positive turn of events, an early 2024 conference on the circular economy and waste processing was held in Kampala, attended by companies like Siemens. This conference underscored the city's commitment to sustainable waste management practices and recycling initiatives.
As Kampala navigates this waste crisis, the city's residents and authorities are hopeful for a safer, greener, and more sustainable future.
