KCCA CALLS FOR IMPROVED WASTE MANAGEMENT AS IT SUPPORTS KABAKA BIRTHDAY RUN

The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving waste management in the city while supporting the Buganda Kingdom’s annual Kabaka Birthday Run.

KCCA Executive Director, Sharifah Buzeki, led a delegation to Bulange Mengo on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, where she presented KCCA’s contribution of UGX 7 million towards the event and highlighted the urgent need for better waste management in Kampala.

During the meeting, Buzeki emphasized KCCA’s dedication to working with the Buganda Kingdom to ensure a cleaner and healthier city.

She called upon the Kingdom to support KCCA’s efforts in waste management and encouraged residents to adopt responsible waste disposal habits.

“We want Kampala to be healthy and clean, and that includes proper waste management,” Buzeki stated. “Join our efforts in keeping Kampala clean by properly handling garbage. Separate degradable and non-degradable waste to support efficient waste management.”

Buzeki reiterated KCCA’s call for collective responsibility in maintaining a cleaner city, emphasizing that waste management is a crucial component of urban health and sustainability.

“As a city, we are all part of the solution. Kampala belongs to all of us, and we must take collective responsibility to keep it clean and healthy,” she said.

Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga acknowledged the waste management challenges Kampala faces, attributing them to urbanization and changing lifestyles. He noted that many city dwellers still practice rural waste disposal habits, which contribute to poor sanitation.

“The challenge with many of us in Kampala is that we grew up in villages where after eating, you would throw leftovers in the matooke plantation, and waste disposal was informal. Now, in the city, we must learn to properly manage our waste, just as we have learned to wear suits and ties,” Mayiga said.

Mayiga also highlighted the importance of proper waste disposal in improving overall urban health, stating that waste-free environments contribute to better health facilities, green parks, and cleaner public spaces.

The Kabaka 70^th Birthday Run, themed “Men for Good Health to Save the Girl Child and the Fight Against HIV/AIDS 2030,” is scheduled to take place on Sunday, April 6, 2025. While its main focus is on health and the fight against HIV/AIDS, the event is also seen as an opportunity to reinforce waste management awareness among city residents.

Buzeki encouraged all city dwellers to take part in the event and use it as a platform to promote environmental responsibility.

The Kabaka Birthday Run is one of Uganda’s most significant annual events, attracting thousands of participants. With KCCA’s involvement, this year’s edition will also serve as a call to action for a cleaner, healthier Kampala.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer