KCCA COMMENDS COMMUNITY RESPONSE IN AFTERMATH OF KITEEZI TRAGEDY

The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director, Dorothy Kisaka, has expressed deep gratitude to individuals and organizations that have come forward to support the victims of the Kiteezi landfill tragedy.

The disaster, which occurred on August 10 and claimed several lives, has brought together numerous individuals and organizations in an effort to aid those affected.

"We are deeply grateful to the Uganda Red Cross Society and the countless people who have contributed items to support the survivors," Kisaka said.

"Our Kampala markets vendors have been particularly generous, sending food daily to those in need. Their unwavering commitment to helping their fellow citizens in this time of crisis is truly commendable."

Kisaka reported that, as of yesterday, close to 300 people have been safely accommodated in temporary shelters. Large tents have been set up for men, women, and lactating mothers, with an onsite clinic providing essential medical care.

On Sunday, Kisaka together with other leaders attended prayers held at the Kiteezi camp, where she commiserated with the affected families. Following the prayers, she served lunch to the victims and shared a meal with them, demonstrating her solidarity with those impacted.

However, she emphasized the urgent need for residents within the 200-meter buffer zone to evacuate immediately due to the ongoing risks.

"It is a dangerous area, and we are appealing to those in the buffer zone to leave. The government is actively working on compensation for those who need to be relocated," Kisaka said.

One of the most pressing issues brought to light by this tragedy is the overwhelming challenge of waste management in Kampala. The city generates over 2,500 tons of garbage daily, and prior to the incident, about 170 trucks would transport waste to Kiteezi each day.

With the landfill now compromised, Entebbe has offered temporary land to deposit garbage, but long-term solutions are urgently needed.

In addition to expressing relief that many had survived the collapse, Kisaka extended her deepest sympathies to the families who lost loved ones.

The Kampala Lord Mayor Representative John Mary Ssebufu joined the call for swift government action, urging the allocation of additional funds from the contingency fund to bolster garbage management efforts.

He also called for a supplementary budget to address the immediate needs following the Kiteezi tragedy and proposed the establishment of a modern recycling plant to convert waste into energy.

"We must decommission the Kiteezi landfill and flatten the garbage heaps to prevent further tragedies," Ssebufu said.

Muwada Nkunyingi, the Member of Parliament for Kyadondo East, added his voice to the calls for action, emphasizing the need to recover and dignify the missing victims.

"Rescue efforts must be doubled until all missing persons are accounted for and buried with dignity," Nkunyingi said. He also urged the government to expedite the compensation process for those affected and to prioritize the decommissioning of the landfill.