KCCA ED, Lord Mayor Must Resign Over Kiteezi Landfill Catastrophe amidst Government Data Crisis - Wabusimba Amiri

Uganda is currently grappling with a convergence of crises that have exposed deep-seated issues of governance, corruption, and environmental mismanagement. From widespread food insecurity to tragic environmental disasters, these challenges are symptomatic of systemic failures that demand immediate action and comprehensive reform. 

The tragic landslide at the Kiteezi landfill in Kampala, Uganda’s capital, serves as a stark reminder that governance failures are not limited to rural or remote areas. This disaster, which claimed over 34 lives and buried homes, occurred in an urban setting far from the mountainous regions typically associated with such incidents.

The catastrophe underscores the severe consequences of poor urban planning, inadequate waste management, and a lack of oversight by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). The Kiteezi landfill, which has operated for decades, processes approximately 700,000 metric tons of waste annually for a city of about 1.8 million residents.

For years, the Kiteezi landfill has been a source of concern for residents and environmentalists. The landfill has grown uncontrollably, with waste accumulating to dangerous levels due to the KCCA’s failure to implement effective waste management strategies. Heavy rains exacerbated the situation, causing the unstable mass of waste to collapse and trigger a deadly landslide. The aftermath has left many families grieving, others displaced, and numerous people injured.

The response from the KCCA and other relevant authorities has been characterized by a lack of urgency and accountability. While there have been calls for investigations, the root causes poor management, negligence, and corruption—remain largely unaddressed.

The technical wing of the KCCA, responsible for ensuring that waste management and urban planning meet safety standards, has failed in its mandate. Similarly, the political leadership, which should provide oversight and ensure effective use of public resources, has been conspicuously absent in taking responsibility.

In the wake of this tragedy, it is concerning that the government still lacks an accurate count of the people living in the affected area, just days after the conclusion of the 2024 census. This deficiency further highlights the failures in urban planning and emergency response.

 President Museveni’s condolence payment of 5 million shillings to the families of the deceased and 1 million shillings to the affected individuals, while a gesture of sympathy, falls far short of addressing the systemic issues that led to the disaster. In a time of economic crisis, where many struggle to earn even USD $1 a day, these payments do little to support the affected families in the long term. The government must focus on addressing the root causes of these crises and implementing long-term solutions rather than relying on temporary relief measures.

The Kiteezi landfill disaster is not an isolated incident; it reflects a broader governance failure that affects many aspects of public administration in Uganda. The tendency to engage in blame games rather than address systemic issues has become characteristic of Uganda’s leadership. This approach hinders the resolution of immediate crises and perpetuates a cycle of mismanagement and corruption.

The immediate resignation of the KCCA’s accounting officer, Dorothy Kisaka, the Lord Mayor, and other leaders responsible for urban planning and waste management, who neglected their duties, is a necessary first step toward restoring public trust and ensuring the effective implementation of future policies. Uganda’s leaders must rise to the occasion by embracing transparency, accountability, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of their citizens rather than using such tragedies as political tools, but instead, join hands to offer solutions to prevent future disasters.

Uganda stands at a crossroads. The challenges it faces food insecurity, environmental degradation, and governance failures are interconnected and demand a comprehensive response. The government’s ability to address these issues effectively will depend on its willingness to confront corruption, implement meaningful reforms, and prioritize the welfare of its citizens over personal or political gain. The recent crises have exposed the fragility of Uganda’s current governance structures. Without significant changes, the country will continue to suffer preventable disasters, with the most vulnerable communities bearing the brunt of the consequences. It is imperative that Uganda’s leaders take bold steps to address the root causes of these challenges and restore public trust in their ability to govern effectively.

To prevent similar tragedies, Uganda must overhaul its urban planning and waste management systems. Upgrading landfill facilities to modern standards, promoting recycling and waste reduction, and developing comprehensive waste management plans are essential. Implementing real-time monitoring of waste levels and ensuring that urban planning meets safety standards are crucial steps in safeguarding residents’ lives. Forming partnerships with global organizations and aligning national efforts with initiatives like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals can provide the financial and technical support needed for sustainable development. Only then can Uganda hope to achieve sustainable development and protect its citizens from future crises.

The government must adopt a proactive approach to disaster preparedness and environmental management. The time for complacency has passed; it is now time for decisive action and reform. By addressing the root causes of these challenges, Uganda can overcome its crises and secure a brighter future for all its citizens.