By Tumwesigye Anslem
A devastating disaster struck Kampala, Uganda, on August 10, 2024, when the Kiteezi landfill collapsed, claiming multiple lives and leaving many injured. The tragedy occurred after heavy rainfall triggered a massive garbage slide from the landfill, burying homes, animals, and residents under a mountain of waste.
Rescue efforts are still ongoing, with 17 bodies recovered, including children. The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) reported that eight people, including two children, were initially confirmed dead, while 14 survivors were rescued and hospitalized as of August 10, 2024. By the end of August 11, 2024, the Uganda Red Cross Society, via their X handle, provided an update on the ongoing rescue process: “We are into the second day of the Lusanja-Kiteezi landfill emergency response operation, with the death toll at 20 people by 6:30 PM today. We are working in coordination with the Public Authorities and @OPMUganda to deliver humanitarian assistance. Our teams also supported the search and retrieval of the dead bodies. Emergency shelter tents were put up yesterday to accommodate the displaced families.” This statement indicates an increase in the death toll.
It is also alleged that the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, has directed financial assistance to the families of the deceased through the Office of the State House Comptroller, Jane Barekye, while the Kampala Capital City Authority has pledged to work with responsible agencies to prevent such a disaster from happening again. However, the tragedy highlights the need for improved waste management practices.
The Kiteezi landfill was supposed to be closed in 2005, but it remained operational, posing a significant risk to nearby residents. A 2015 academic study conducted by Makerere University warned of the dangers, but no action was taken. This raises serious questions about accountability and the role of regulatory agencies in enforcing environmental and safety standards.
Dr. Jibril S. Owomugisha, Executive Director of Million Trees Uganda and the Ugandan Representative to the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021/30, during a catch-up with UBC Television, recommended some alternative waste management strategies. These include burying biodegradable wastes to promote soil health, recycling non-biodegradables, community sensitization, and incineration to generate heat energy. He also said that by adopting these strategies, we can reduce waste, minimize risks, and promote a cleaner environment.
The Kiteezi landfill catastrophe serves as a wake-up call for improved waste management practices and stricter enforcement of environmental regulations in Uganda. We must learn from this tragedy and work towards preventing such disasters in the future. This requires a multi-faceted approach involving government, civil society, and communities working together to address the root causes of the disaster. We owe it to the victims and their families to take action and ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.