The weekend disaster at the Kiteezi landfill, which tragically claimed over 100 lives, depicts a profound failure in waste management and governance in Uganda.
This catastrophe has not only come out as a tragic accident; it is a stark manifestation of long-standing criminal negligence and poor planning that should serve as a wake-up call for the NRM-led government, Kampala Capital City Authority, the National Environmental Management Authority, line ministries and the urban population.
The Kiteezi landfill, once a site of burgeoning waste, was known to be a ticking time bomb for residents. By 2015, the site had reached its capacity, prompting KCCA (Kampala Capital City Authority) to acquire new land. However, due to the influence of affluent individuals in Ddundu, Mukono North, the new land deal fell through, leading to the continued diversion of waste to Kiteezi.
This mismanagement has resulted in the current disaster, where a landfill, overloaded with refuse, has become a deadly hazard for the urban population.
The irony and distress of this situation are palpable. Imagine the heartbreak of parents who woke up to work only to find their children buried under mounds of landfill waste—a scenario that is as disturbing as it is tragic.
In this same disaster, we also mourn the loss of Nakasolya Brenda, a woman of substance from Trinity College Nabbingo, whose life was tragically cut short when chemicals from the compost rolled meters into her residence, crushing her two-story house and ending her life tragically.
This disaster highlights the grave shortcomings of the President Museveni National Resistance Movement (NRM) government, which has been in power for over 40 years but has failed to prevent such avoidable tragedies. The government’s lack of action and foresight is a glaring example of the disparity between those who govern and the people they serve.
The Kiteezi disaster is emblematic of a broader issue: a lack of political will and ineffective governance. While leaders travel globally and engage in high-profile discussions, they have failed to adopt modern waste management technologies or implement sustainable recycling practices.
The absence of local investment in loss and damage funds and the inability to learn from countries that excel in waste recycling is further compounding the problem. The current state of affairs reflects poorly on those who collect substantial taxes but cannot deliver essential services or invest in critical climate change infrastructure.
This disaster should not be swept under the rug or attributed solely to natural causes because it was a man-made disaster, it was criminal negligence.
It is a consequence of systemic failures—failures in planning, prioritization, and governance by the central government. The blame game that has already begun is a disservice to the victims and the families that lost their loved ones. Instead of pointing fingers, it is crucial to address the root causes of the problem and implement effective solutions immediately
How about exploring local innovations and solutions? Organic waste carbonization and biochar production could be potential remedies for waste management issues. Visiting Kiteezi and engaging in collaborative efforts to find practical solutions might offer a glimmer of hope. Every significant change starts with a single step, and by embracing local solutions, we may begin to reverse the damage caused by the garbage.
Let us all be reminded that taking care of our environment is an act of taking care of each other.
In a world where disaster strikes, the true measure of leadership is how we protect those most vulnerable.
This disaster could have been avoided with proactive measures and responsible planning. It serves as a reminder of the urgent need for compassionate and effective action to safeguard our communities and our country.
The writer is Ms. Babirye Lilliane
Woman MP hopeful (NUP)
Entebbe City
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