Redcross volunteers ferrying dead bodies after the Kiteezi landfill accident last year
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Last night, fear spread when a fire broke out around 8pm in Kiteezi, near the site of the notorious landfill. Fortunately, the Fire Brigade contained this fire, moments later.
Initial reports indicate that it was not a serious blaze that warranted serious intervention.
The Kiteezi Landfill evokes painful memories for many Ugandans, as it collapsed last year, claiming the lives of several residents and damaging properties worth millions of shillings. Consequently, any news of trouble in the area again raises anxiety.
Regarding the incident, KCCA spokesperson Daniel Nuweabine noted that KCCA is currently on-site and is taking measures to prevent any further disasters. He also stated that the decommissioning process is expected to begin at the end of this month.
“We are on the ground at the landfill, working to stabilize the slopes and spread the garbage using graders to prevent any additional slides. We anticipate starting the decommissioning process by the end of this month,” said Daniel Nuweabine, a representative of KCCA.
In addition, Nuweabine commented that they are in the process of acquiring land for a new waste management facility. He revealed that KCCA has allocated a budget of Shs1 trillion in the 2025/26 financial year.
“While this may not fully address all our goals, it is adequate to meet our budget. Moreover, it is more than the authority has ever managed before. He highlighted that a significant portion of this year’s budget will focus on infrastructure.
“We have close to Shs 1 trillion set aside this year. Although it may not cover all our needs, it is the largest budget we’ve had as an authority. Our main focus for this fiscal year will be on infrastructure, with nearly Shs 500 billion dedicated to projects such as road construction and drainage improvements,” noted Nuweabine.
Other priorities outlined by the KCCA spokesperson include health and education. He expressed their intention to enhance health facilities and mentioned that this year’s budget is more attuned to the needs of the people in Kampala.
Meanwhile, Hakim Kiiza Sawula, KCCA’s Executive Secretary for Works and Physical Planning, said that the fire last night highlighted the government’s complacency regarding the Kiteezi Landfill matter.
He pointed out that despite warnings from researchers since as early as 2014, the Government has failed to take action.
