KITEEZI LANDFILL REHABILITATION BEGINS WITH JAPANESE SUPPORT

Engines rolled and dust rose over Kiteezi on Thursday as heavy machinery moved in to shift waste and install the first gas-ventilation and leachate-collection pipes, marking the start of a $1 million Japan-funded project to rehabilitate the landfill.

The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), working with UN-Habitat, launched the year-long effort to stabilise high-risk sections of the site, which partially collapsed in August 2024, posing environmental and health risks to nearby communities. The funding followed a joint proposal submitted to the Government of Japan after the incident.

The project, titled “Emergency Technical Assistance to Rehabilitate Kiteezi Landfill,” will decommission about 7 acres, around 250,000 cubic metres of waste, using the Fukuoka method, a Japanese-engineered system designed to stabilise old landfills and cut methane emissions.

Japan’s ambassador to Uganda, Takuya Sasayama, said Japan was committed to supporting Kampala’s waste-management challenges. He urged residents to improve disposal habits, including recycling and reducing litter.

“We face waste every day, and every household must take responsibility,” Sasayama said.

Work now underway includes reshaping steep waste slopes, stabilising the garbage mass, installing methane-ventilation systems and constructing leachate-treatment ponds. The project also includes training KCCA staff in landfill-risk management.

Japanese landfill specialist Prof. Masafumi Fujii will lead the technical team overseeing the works. Officials described him as one of Japan’s leading experts in landfill engineering.

State Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs Kabuye Kyofatogabye said the intervention would help prevent future slides. He said compensation for residents affected by last year’s collapse would be paid soon following the release of government funds.

UN-Habitat’s Regional Human Settlements Officer for Africa, Grace Lubale, said the project demonstrated the value of international cooperation in protecting vulnerable urban communities. She said UN-Habitat would continue advising on the new waste facility planned for Buyala.

Representing the KCCA Executive Director, Director Revenue Nowere said more support would be needed to complete rehabilitation of the remaining 30 acres. “This grant gives us a critical start,” she said.

Local leaders, including Lusanja LCI Chairperson Kibuka, welcomed the project and thanked Japan for responding to community concerns.

Sarah Zalwango the KCCA Director for Public Health and Environment said residents must support the process by improving waste management practices, recycling, reducing household waste and avoiding litter to help Kampala shift to a more sustainable system.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer