FDC Demands Govt Take Responsibility After Kiteezi Landfill Fir

The fire, which broke out last Saturday, is believed to have been triggered by methane gas combustion beneath the landfill’s surface, a risk experts had previously warned about due to years of mismanagement and overuse

A fire at the now-closed Kiteezi landfill has reignited fears over the site’s safety, with the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) calling on the government to take full responsibility for the crisis.

The fire, which broke out last Saturday, is believed to have been triggered by methane gas combustion beneath the landfill’s surface, a risk experts had previously warned about due to years of mismanagement and overuse.

Firefighters struggled to contain the flames, with experts recommending a murrum dosing method instead of water to smother the fire.

However, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) reportedly lacked the necessary equipment, such as conveyor belts, to execute the method effectively.

This has fueled frustration among environmentalists and opposition figures who argue that the government failed to put proper landfill management systems in place before the site reached its breaking point.

FDC spokesperson John Kikonyogo accused the government of negligence and warned of a possible catastrophe if the fire is not swiftly contained.

“If not attended to comprehensively, this fire could lead to a volcano-like explosion. Kiteezi has been a disaster waiting to happen, and now we are seeing the consequences of poor waste management,” Kikonyogo said.

The landfill, which had been Kampala’s main dumpsite for decades, was officially closed after a tragic collapse on August 9, 2024, that claimed multiple lives.

The site had long exceeded its capacity, leading to dangerous methane buildup and weak structural integrity. While the closure was meant to prevent further disasters, lingering pockets of methane remain a threat.

In a statement, FDC demanded that the government take immediate steps to address the crisis, including fair compensation for victims of past incidents.

“The government must take responsibility and compensate the victims adequately, not the paltry Shs2 million initially offered. Many families are still living in fear, and they will not vacate the area until they receive what they are owed,” Kikonyogo said.

FDC also urged the government to develop a long-term waste management strategy to prevent similar disasters in the future.

“We need a comprehensive plan to handle this issue properly. This is not just about Kiteezi—it’s about ensuring that no other community suffers due to government inaction,” Kikonyogo added.

With fire officials continuing their efforts to contain the blaze, pressure is mounting on the government to not only resolve the immediate crisis but also implement lasting reforms in the country’s waste management system.