Lukwago demands urgent relocation plan for Kiteezi Landfill disaster Victims

Kampala Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago, has raised concerns over the government's delayed response to the recent Kiteezi landfill disaster, criticizing the lack of a timely relocation plan for the victims and calling for the restoration of their livelihoods.

Speaking to the media on Saturday, Lukwago expressed frustration at the government's inaction, describing the situation as "inhumane and cruel."

He revealed that many victims remain stranded in temporary camps, living in tents without any clear plan for relocation.

“We are deeply concerned that many lives are still languishing in camps,” Lukwago said.

He condemned the lack of urgency from leaders, calling the situation "reckless and unacceptable" as victims continue to face harsh conditions.

In response to the crisis, Lukwago announced that the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has secured assurances from the Ministry of Finance to provide Shs 4.5 billion, part of KCCA's collected revenue, to address immediate needs.

The funds will assist the victims in securing temporary accommodation while awaiting a comprehensive relocation plan.

“We find it inhumane to keep these people in tents. We must find shelter for them elsewhere,” Lukwago emphasised, acknowledging that while the solution may be temporary, swift action is needed to improve their living conditions.

The Lord Mayor's call for action comes as the victims continue to endure difficult circumstances with no clear timeline for permanent relocation.

Lukwago also urged for immediate relief efforts alongside a long-term solution to prevent further suffering.

The Kiteezi landfill, Kampala’s only waste disposal site, experienced a landslide late last month after weeks of heavy rainfall, burying nearby houses while residents slept.

Following the disaster, President Museveni ordered an investigation into the proximity of residential areas to the hazardous site and called for the removal of residents in the "danger zone."

Many of these residents rely on scavenging through the landfill for items to resell.

The site, which used to receive about 1,500 tons of waste daily, has long been a source of environmental and health concerns for the surrounding communities.

Waste pollution, contaminated air, and polluted water pose serious risks to public health.

The landfill is also home to around 800 waste pickers, who play a crucial role in sorting and recovering recyclable materials. However, they face poor working conditions, low pay, social stigmatization, and exploitation.

The collapse of the landfill came months after Lukwago had warned, in January, that those living and working near the site were at risk due to overflowing waste.

In January 2024, officials confirmed that the waste overflow was caused by a malfunctioning treatment plant.

During a site visit on January 9, Lukwago noted that the KCCA’s Directorate of Public Health had raised concerns about the landfill’s deteriorating condition.

The directorate recommended relocating the landfill to a new site in Dundu-Mukono District or expanding the Kiteezi site.

"In line with the Solid Waste Management Ordinance-2000, we are developing a policy to manage solid waste in Kampala amid the current health hazards posed by the mismanagement of the Kiteezi landfill,” Lukwago said.

He added, “The landfill’s current state poses significant health risks, necessitating immediate action to protect public health, safety, and property, and to ensure efficient waste collection and sanitation."

Established in 1996, the Kiteezi landfill now spans 36 acres and has formed "hills" of garbage.

The government has since acquired 136 acres in Dundu, Mukono District, for a new landfill to address these pressing issues.