KCCA Blames External Factors for Kiteezi Landfill Disaster

The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has issued a statement attributing the recent catastrophic waste slide at the Kiteezi Landfill to a combination of external factors, including inadequate funding, population growth, and encroachment on the landfill's buffer zone.

The tragic incident, which occurred on August 10, 2024, resulted in the loss of lives, injuries, and significant property damage. According to KCCA, approximately 44 homes were affected, and 35 bodies have been recovered so far.

Additionally, approximately 352 people have sought assistance at the Emergency Response Centre set up in the area.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives and the injuries caused to residents, as well as the loss of property,” KCCA said in a statement. The authority confirmed that 44 homes were affected by the waste slide.

The statement noted that KCCA swiftly dispatched emergency services on the day of the incident and has coordinated with various ministries, departments, and agencies to provide relief and mitigate further risks. "The priority has been to protect human life and manage the aftermath of the incident as effectively as possible," KCCA emphasized, expressing gratitude for the support from Kampala residents.

The President of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni offered condolence packages of UGX 5 million to each bereaved family and UGX 1 million to each survivor. The Office of the Prime Minister is leading the disaster response efforts, providing additional support including food, mobilizing excavators, and supplying fuel to continue excavation work.

KCCA has emphasized that the landfill's deteriorating condition was a result of longstanding challenges. The landfill, which has been in operation since 1996, has long exceeded its capacity and faced numerous operational issues.

The KCCA acknowledged the constraints that have plagued the management of the Kiteezi landfill for years, dating back to 2013 when the landfill was declared to have reached full capacity. Adding that despite this, operations continued due to the lack of an alternative site, resulting in the landfill operating in "crisis mode." Kampala currently generates over 2,500 tons of waste daily, placing immense pressure on the site.

The authority cited inadequate funding as a key challenge, noting that plans to decommission the landfill and relocate operations to a new site in Ddundu, Mukono, have been hindered by community opposition and budget shortfalls. "The lack of funding meant that KCCA could not move forward with the planned decommissioning of Kiteezi," KCCA explained.

Additionally, rapid population growth in Kampala and surrounding areas has significantly increased waste production, further straining the landfill according to KCCA statement. Encroachment on the designated 500-meter buffer zone around the landfill also introduced new risks, with waste being stacked vertically to accommodate the growing piles.

Despite these challenges, KCCA maintained that it had taken all feasible safety measures, including issuing warnings and advisories to nearby residents and waste pickers when cracks began to develop in early July 2024. "The precautions taken in informing the community leadership and the waste pickers saved lives," the authority stated.

KCCA has pledged to continue working towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to waste management in Kampala.

KCCA reaffirmed its commitment to public safety and responsible waste management, stressing the need for robust future waste management strategies in Kampala by adopting new technologies for waste conversion and ensuring that similar incidents do not occur in the future.

"We continue to grieve the loss of lives in our community and to nurse the victims," KCCA expressed, pledging ongoing efforts to build a vibrant and sustainable city.