Residents of Ibanda Municipality are raising concern over increasing waste disposal in uncovered drainage trenches, warning that the growing practice is creating unhealthy living conditions and exposing communities to possible disease outbreaks.
What were originally designed as drainage channels to carry storm water are increasingly turning into garbage dumping sites in different parts of the municipality, leaving residents worried about sanitation and environmental safety.
Silver Byamukama, a resident who operates near one of the affected drainage channels, said the accumulation of waste has become a daily challenge.
“The trenches are no longer serving their intended purpose. Instead of carrying water, they are filled with garbage, creating a bad smell and exposing us to diseases,” Byamukama told Nile Post on Friday
Another resident, Julius Nasasira, attributed the problem to irregular garbage collection and lack of accessible disposal facilities.
“Many people have nowhere to dispose of waste because garbage collection is not consistent. That is why some end up throwing waste into the open trenches,” Asasira explained.
Ibanda Municipality Principal Health Inspector William Ndyanabo blamed the trend on improper waste disposal habits among sections of the community, warning of possible public health consequences.
“These drainage channels are not meant for garbage disposal. When waste accumulates and water stagnates, communities become vulnerable to sanitation-related diseases such as cholera and other preventable infections,” Ndyanabo told Nile Post in an interview.
The Ibanda Municipality Environment Officer, Robert Mwesigye, said the effects extend beyond human health and threaten the environment.
“Poor waste management does not only affect public health but also damages wetlands and surrounding ecosystems. Addressing this challenge requires investment in disposal infrastructure, public awareness and enforcement of sanitation regulations,” Mwesigye noted.
Ibanda Municipality Town Clerk Authman Ssebaduka acknowledged the challenge and said authorities are exploring long-term solutions.
“We recognize the growing concern and improving waste management will require increased investment. We expect future infrastructure interventions under the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) programme to support these efforts,” Ssebaduka said.
Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor Fred Banywana called for greater public responsibility in maintaining cleanliness.
“Municipal authorities alone cannot solve this problem. Communities must cooperate and ensure waste is disposed of in designated places to maintain a healthy environment,” Banywana said.
Residents are now calling for regular garbage collection, establishment of designated disposal sites and stricter enforcement against illegal dumping.
As leaders and residents continue searching for solutions, many hope immediate intervention will prevent the sanitation challenge from escalating into a wider public health crisis.