The government is planning to decommission the Kiteezi landfill following its collapse, which resulted in the tragic deaths of over 23 people. This was revealed by the Minister of State for Relief, Disaster Preparedness, and Refugees, Hon. Lillian Aber, during a statement to the House on Tuesday, 13 August 2024, chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa.
The Kiteezi landfill, located in Kasangati Town Council, Wakiso District, has served as Kampala’s primary waste disposal site since 1997, handling 2,500 tonnes of waste daily. The collapse on 10 August 2024 has emphasized the urgent need for a sustainable and safer waste management strategy.
Minister Aber announced the government’s decision to fast-track the decommissioning of the Kiteezi landfill to prevent further loss of life and environmental harm. “The tragic events have exposed the critical vulnerabilities in our waste management system. Therefore, the government has decided to expedite the decommissioning of the Kiteezi landfill,” she said. She also mentioned that a 200-meter buffer zone around the landfill has been preserved, and efforts are underway to flatten the garbage hill to stabilize the area as operations are phased out.
The government is also actively seeking alternative sites for waste disposal, with potential locations identified in Menvu, Nansana, and Busumamura in Kira Municipality. These sites are expected to replace Kiteezi and address the impending waste crisis in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA).
Aber highlighted that the government is looking to adopt modern waste management practices, focusing on incineration and recycling methods to ensure sustainable and environmentally friendly waste disposal. She emphasized the government’s commitment to transforming waste management in Uganda to prevent future tragedies.
Kyadondo East Member of Parliament, Hon. Muwada Nkunyingi, described the tragedy as a disaster waiting to happen, noting that earlier warnings had been ignored. He raised concerns about reports of gas extraction at the landfill, which may have contributed to the accident. Nkunyingi also expressed dismay at the victims being labeled as land encroachers and called for comprehensive support for those affected.
The Minister for Kampala City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hon. Minsa Kabanda, stated that it was too early to discuss compensation while people were still believed to be buried. She refuted claims of gas extraction at Kiteezi.
Ora County MP, Hon. Lawrence Songa, pointed out that the Committee on Climate Change had previously advised the city authorities to expedite the landfill’s decommissioning, but no action was taken. He noted that the committee had recommended that investors be invited to convert the waste into gas, but this was not implemented. Songa also highlighted that Uganda loses over Shs1 trillion annually due to waste-related issues, criticizing the current state of Kiteezi as merely a dumping site rather than a fully engineered landfill.
The Third Deputy Premier, Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama, reported that the emergency rescue operation is ongoing and will be expedited by mobilizing equipment from various partners to ensure round-the-clock rescue efforts.
Deputy Speaker Tayebwa acknowledged that while Parliament might typically initiate an investigation, other processes are currently underway, and his primary concern is for those still trapped in the landfill.
