Kiteezi tragedy
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KAMPALA– The Uganda Law Society has called for investigations to establish the circumstances that led to the neglect of the spills at Kiteezi waste landfill that led to subsequent death and loss of property.

According to a statement on the loss of lives at the Kiteezi Landfill, the President Uganda Law Society Benard Oundo said that they have noted the tragedy with concern when garbage moulds collapsed causing the death of over 20 lives, as well as destruction of homes, livestock and property.

On behalf of the Uganda Law Society, Oundo extended deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims during this difficult period and extended prayers to the injured.

Oundo noted that the rights of life, clean and health environment and property are guaranteed fundamental rights of all persons under Article 23, 39 and 26 (i) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and requires the government to ensure that the rights and descent shelter, however arising out of Kiteezi Landfill tragedy, the peoples rights have been violated causing mental, physical related harm to the victims.

The Uganda Law Society pointed out that a report had been made in 2019 indicating that Kiteezi Landfill had exceeded its current capacity and the current operations were not optimised to facilitate materials and resource recovery.

It’s reported that despite the government acquisition of 136 acres of land in Dundu in Mukono District for the relocation of the Landfill which was not implemented and has delayed due to budget constraints, but the government has a responsibility to protect its citizens and this include that they have access to safe living conditions. 

The Uganda Law Society has therefore recommended immediate reallocation and compensation of the victims as directed by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and also recommended that a comprehensive studies and financing be made to relocate the Landfill to Dundu Waste Management Site to prevent any further tragedy.

The Law Society also called on Kampala Capital City Authority to expedite to implementation of the Kampala Waste Treatment and Disposal Public Private Partnership  Project.

Lawyer Oundo said that Uganda Law Society remains in its to promote the rule of law, human rights and good governance in Uganda.