Residents of Mukono Town have expressed frustration after heaps of garbage remained uncollected on several streets for three days following a community clean-up exercise, with waste collection trucks failing to arrive.
The affected areas include Ntawo Road, Kitega, Wantoni, Gulu A, Kitete and other parts of Mukono Central Division.
Residents say the uncollected waste has blocked sections of roads, making access difficult while creating an unpleasant environment. In Nasuuti Village, some frustrated residents dumped garbage at the gate of Mukono Central Division Chairperson Bogere Nsensebuse in an attempt to draw attention to the growing problem.
They argued that while they had fulfilled their responsibility by cleaning their communities, it was the responsibility of the local government to collect and properly dispose of the waste.
Patrick Ssesanga, a carpenter in Kitega Village, blamed the situation on what he described as inadequate support for lower local governments.
He said local authorities lack enough resources, particularly garbage collection trucks, to transport waste promptly after community clean-up exercises.
Food vendors have also raised concerns, saying garbage dumped near their restaurants has produced a foul smell, driving away customers and posing a potential public health risk.
Some vendors warned that they may not participate in future community clean-up campaigns if authorities fail to ensure timely collection and disposal of waste.
Gulu Ward Chairperson Hannington Kanyike commended residents for participating in the clean-up exercise but warned that delays in collecting garbage could discourage public involvement in future initiatives.
“I want to thank the residents for responding positively to the community clean-up exercise. However, the delay in collecting the garbage is unfortunate and could discourage people from participating in future clean-up campaigns. We need to ensure that waste is collected promptly after such exercises,” Kanyike said.
Mukono Central Division Chairperson Bogere Nsensebuse condemned the decision by some residents to dump garbage at her residence, saying it was not the appropriate way to raise concerns.
However, she assured residents that the division was working to clear the waste as quickly as possible.
“I condemn the decision by some residents to dump garbage at my residence. While I understand their frustration, that is not the right way to express their concerns. We are working to clear the waste as quickly as possible,” Nsensebuse said.
She explained that Mukono currently has only two garbage collection trucks, with one serving Goma Division, affecting the speed at which waste can be collected across the municipality.
Nsensebuse appealed to residents to remain patient, saying the trucks are operating according to schedule and will eventually reach all affected areas.
“Mukono Central Division currently has only two garbage collection trucks, and one of them is serving Goma Division. I appeal to residents to remain patient as the trucks operate according to schedule. We are committed to ensuring that all the affected areas are reached and the garbage is collected,” she said.
