The Minister of Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Minsa Kabanda has issued an apology following the tragic death of 21 individuals at the Kiteezi landfill. In her statement, Kabanda expressed deep regret over the incident but also refuted allegations that the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) had been negligent in managing the site.
“We are deeply sorry for the loss of lives at the Kiteezi landfill,” Kabanda said. “However, it’s important to address the claims that KCCA has been idle. Since 2018, we have been actively seeking solutions and securing funding to address the challenges at the landfill.”
Kabanda explained that KCCA had been proactive in addressing the landfill’s issues, including engaging with potential investors for decommissioning and improvement projects.
“We have reached out to investors who are willing to assist us, but the high tariffs and funding constraints have hindered progress. We have not been sitting idly; we have been working tirelessly to find solutions,” she asserted.
The Minister emphasized that despite ongoing efforts, the financial demands for resolving the landfill issues have been repeatedly overlooked by the Government.
“We have had ongoing discussions with Parliament and Cabinet regarding this issue, but substantial action has yet to be taken. We remain committed to collaborating with relevant stakeholders to address the situation effectively.”
Kabanda concluded by reaffirming KCCA’s commitment to working with investors and authorities to resolve the landfill crisis.
“We are determined to move forward and address these challenges. Once again, we extend our sincere apologies for the unfortunate events and will continue our efforts to prevent such incidents in the future.”
The minister’s apologies were however not accepted by MPs who lashed out at her and the leadership of KCCA for failing to avert the tragedy before it happened.
Bugabula North MP John Teira said he had tried to bring in investors who were willing to generate electricity from the trash in Kiteezi only to get frustrated by KCCA.
“On three separate occasions, we have presented potential investors who were willing to turn the Kiteezi site into energy, which was going to cost less than half of what Bujagali is selling to the national grid. We were directed to do feasibility studies and in every presentation, KCCA has deliberately thrown away these people.” Teira said
Mbarara city woman Member of Parliament Rita Atukwasa said the road to Kiteezi too is in a bad state;
“One of the things that were missed in the Minister’s statement is the nature of the emergency of the state of the road to Kiteezi, I am even wondering, how did they reach there to rescue the people? The road is in such a terrible state that it is an emergency itself. For over 7years, those garbage trucks pass there throwing garbage and now, they are diverting to Kyanja” she said.
Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Semujju Nganda said the trucks also litter the roads in which they pass while going to the dumping site saying this will be a problem even if KCCA is to use the alternative of dumping in Mukono.
“Kiteezi was one of the villages I represented in the 9th Parliament. A solution can’t be transferring that particular problem to Mukono, the waste you put there(Kiteezi) isn’t processed, it has attracted all the dogs in the world, all the flies. The trucks that carry garbage from Kampala, maybe they are supposed to be carrying firewood, they go dropping garbage everywhere. By the time these trucks reach Kiteezi, they have dropped about 10% along the way. Please find another way, maybe ask the President to use his chopper because we will not allow you to use our villages on your way to Mukono” Ssemujju said
A group of survivors is currently camped near the Kiteezi dumpsite with no place to go, Government is yet to reveal a permanent solution for the families that lost their homes in the landslide
