KAMPALA- A section of MPs has decried the negligence exhibited by Government in managing garbage and waste in Uganda, which left 22 people dead, with others fighting for their lives following the falling of heaps of rubbish in Kiteezi dumping site in Kampala.
Iki Iki County Member of Parliament Robert Kasolo wondered how officials from Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) are still relying on outdated methods like dumping of rubbish as part of their strategy of managing waste, yet there are nations making money from compressing rubbish and producing various products like electricity, gas, fertilizers.
Kasolo also queried the plan by KCCA to procure land in Ddundu-Mukono district for the new dumping site, saying that the new site if neglected like Kiteezi will also encounter the similar tragedy and won’t be the solution to Uganda’s garbage problem.
It should be recalled that in January 2024, Dorothy Kisaka, Executive Director asked Parliament of the need by Government to provide Ugx 220Bn for the development and operationalization of the new landfill in Ddundu, although only Ugx 216M was availed, leaving a gap of Ugx 219.78Bn.
Kisaka also sought for approval of funds for the procurement of garbage trucks worth Ugx 4.5Bn and nothing has been availed to the Authority as the items remained as unfunded in the current 2024/25 national budget.
Katikamu South Member of Parliament Hassan Kirumira described the Kiteezi tragedy as an unfortunate incident whose time was in waiting, given the fact that rubbish produces so many chemicals which triggered the falling, but Government ignored its responsibility to collect garbage and waste from homes and the city.
Kapiri County MP Dr. Isamat Abraham noted that waste materials need to be managed very well and that depends on how organized the systems are, stressing that as far as managing waste in Uganda is concerned, some companies are hired to provide such services but the most critical thing is funding because, as long as funding is adequate, good output and good results are expected.
