Government and city officials have called on arcade owners and developers in Kampala to prioritize sanitation and connect their buildings to the main sewer line as part of efforts to improve public health and urban infrastructure.
The appeal was made on April 29 during a meeting held at the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director’s boardroom. The session brought together officials from KCCA, the Ministry of Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, and the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC).
Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, emphasized the role of property owners in maintaining a clean and healthy city.
“We need to work together. You are key stakeholders in this city. Let’s take steps to ensure every building is connected to the sewer system. Government is ready to support and incentivize connections,” Kabanda said.
She also urged building owners to restore sanitation facilities that were converted into shops, calling functional toilets a public health necessity. Kabanda asked NWSC to offer a grace period with reduced connection fees to encourage compliance.
“This is the campaign we need to have, so that more people get connected,” she added. “If they fail to cooperate, then you can go ahead and enforce.”
State Minister for Kampala, Kabuye Kyofatogabye, called on developers to engage KCCA, NWSC, and UEDCL before starting construction.
“By respecting infrastructure plans and protecting service lines, we create space for drainage, sewer lines, and utilities. Let’s plan smart and build responsibly,” he said. He criticized those who have built on sewer lines and drainages.
KCCA Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki advised property owners to upgrade sanitation facilities and restore waste disposal areas.
“Sanitation and beautification go hand in hand. Let’s create a welcoming and clean environment for everyone who works and shops in our arcades,” Buzeki said.
NWSC General Manager for Kampala Water, Eng. Mahmood Lutaaya, confirmed that the city has sufficient water supply and is investing in solutions to expand sewer coverage.
“Our goal is to achieve 100% sewer coverage in the Central Business District,” Lutaaya said. “Where there are engineering challenges, we are implementing innovative solutions to make connections possible.”
Dr. Sarah Zalwango, Director of Public Health at KCCA, described sewer connection as a health investment.
“Connecting your buildings to the sewer system is not just about compliance, it’s about protecting your tenants, customers, and the wider community,” she said.
Arcade owner Mutasa Kafero welcomed the initiative and expressed support for the proposed improvements.
“We have listened, and we are ready to respond. Connect to the sewer system, and do our part to keep the city clean,” Kafero said.
The meeting focused on partnership over enforcement, with KCCA promising fast-tracked approvals and technical assistance for sanitation-related upgrades.
