How Politicization And Neglect Led To The Kiteezi Disaster

The recent collapse of the Kiteezi landfill infrastructure has sparked widespread outrage and blame-shifting, with many directing their ire at Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA).

However, a closer examination of the situation reveals that the problem is far more complex and deeply rooted than mere political finger-pointing.

The Kiteezi landfill, established in 1996, was designed to serve a population of 1 million, but Kampala’s rapid urbanization has seen the city’s population swell to 5 million, putting immense pressure on the facility. Despite warnings from KCCA and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the central government has failed to provide adequate funding to decommission Kiteezi and relocate the garbage dumping site to a new location in Ddundu, Mukono district.

The lack of funding has hindered the development of the Ddundu site, leaving KCCA with no choice but to continue using Kiteezi, despite its clear inadequacies. The situation has been exacerbated by the failure of local authorities, including Kasangati Town Council and Wakiso district local government, to prevent human settlements in areas surrounding the landfill, despite NEMA’s warnings.

While some have criticized Lukwago’s response to the tragedy, it is essential to recognize that KCCA’s hands are tied due to lack of funding and support from the central government. The authority has been calling for the decommissioning of Kiteezi for years, but their efforts have been frustrated by lack of resources.

The tragedy at Kiteezi is a stark reminder of the need for a comprehensive and sustainable approach to solid waste management in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area. The central government must take responsibility for providing adequate funding to support local governments in delivering essential services, including waste management.

As Parliament convenes on Tuesday, it is crucial that they prioritize the allocation of funds to address the solid waste management crisis in Kampala and ensure that such tragedies never happen again. The 25 lives lost in the Kiteezi disaster must not be in vain.