Cabinet approves Kiteezi Landfill to Become Recycling Hub
In a landmark decision, the Ugandan Cabinet has approved the redevelopment of the Kiteezi landfill into a large-scale garbage management project.
This move is expected to significantly alleviate Kampala’s escalating waste crisis by transforming the landfill into a recycling hub.
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The project will be led by Ghanaian waste management expert, Dr. Joseph Sian Agyepong of the Jospong Group of Companies, who will oversee the construction of a state-of-the-art garbage recycling plant.
This redevelopment is seen as crucial following a landfill disaster two months ago, which left 35 dead and local communities affected by waste-related flooding and environmental degradation.
State Minister for Kampala, Kabuye Kyofatogabye, officially handed over the Kiteezi landfill to Dr. Agyepong, who assured the public of a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution.
“We are here to transform Kiteezi and ensure that garbage no longer poses a threat to the residents or the environment,” Dr. Agyepong stated.
The project is expected to create over 200,000 jobs for both skilled and unskilled workers, with over 600 former workers at the landfill being re-employed.
The project, which is set to begin next year, will recycle up to 2,000 tons of garbage daily. A team of waste management experts will arrive on-site in two weeks to begin assessing the landfill and developing a comprehensive plan for its transformation.
In addition to solving Kiteezi’s immediate waste problem, the initiative aims to educate local residents on sustainable waste management practices.
Dr. Agyepong emphasized the long-term vision for the project, noting, that recycling plant will not only address the waste issue, but also bring economic benefits and environmental sustainability to Kiteezi and the surrounding communities.
The government has also committed to compensating residents affected by the garbage disaster and waste-related water backflow, offering relocation to newly constructed homes in Dundu for those displaced by the disaster. Those who prefer not to move will receive financial compensation instead.
Minister Kabuye highlighted the importance of the project in the government’s broader waste management strategy. “We are committed to phasing out the old dumping practices and ensuring that Kiteezi is no longer a landfill but a model of modern recycling.”
While some investors had proposed waste-to-energy solutions, Dr. Agyepong’s recycling-focused approach was selected for its immediate impact and cost-effectiveness.
The redevelopment of the Kiteezi landfill marks a major milestone in Uganda’s efforts to improve waste management infrastructure, create jobs, and mitigate the health and environmental risks associated with unmanaged garbage.
