MPIGI LEADERS, KCCA DISCUSS BUYALA LANDFILL PROJECT

Mpigi district leaders and officials from Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) have engaged in discussions on the establishment of a new landfill in Buyala, Mpigi district, to address the ongoing waste management challenges in Kampala.

The proposed landfill, located in Kiringente and Mudduma sub-counties, is aimed at ensuring a safe and environmentally friendly waste disposal system.

A high-level meeting convened at Mpigi district chambers on Wednesday brought together key stakeholders, including Mpigi District LCV Chairperson Martin Ssejemba, KCCA Deputy Executive Director Benon Kigenyi, area Members of Parliament Hilary Kiyaga, district councilors, and the Chief Administrative Officer of Mpigi.

Ssejemba emphasized that waste management in Kampala is a national issue, not just a KCCA problem. “We, as Mpigi, contribute to the garbage in the city, and we need to be part of the solution,” he said. “We are part of the problem, and therefore, we must work together to address it.”

Kigenyi highlighted the urgency of securing a new landfill following the collapse of Kiteezi landfill.

“KCCA generates 2,500 tonnes of garbage daily. In the wake of Kiteezi’s collapse, we had to find emergency dumping sites, including Katikolo and Nkumba,” Kigenyi said. “Through our engagements, we have prioritized stakeholder involvement to ensure a sustainable and well-managed landfill.”

Kigenyi assured stakeholders that the Buyala landfill would not be another Kiteezi, stressing that necessary precautions were being taken to make it safe and secure.

“We want to establish ponds to collect leachate and treat it before releasing it into the environment. We have also engaged with NEMA to ensure we comply with environmental standards,” he stated.

To minimize the impact of the garbage on Buyala town, KCCA and Mpigi district have agreed to create an alternative access route to the landfill, preventing unnecessary pollution and congestion.

Additionally, sanitary facilities have been put in place to serve workers at the landfill, and Mpigi district will receive support in improving roads in Kiringente.

Local leaders raised concerns about the project’s execution.

Hillary Kiyaga, MP for Mawokota North, acknowledged the necessity of the landfill but stressed that it must be managed properly. “We must recognize that there have been illegalities in waste management. While we are not against this project, we want to see it handled in the best way possible,” Kiyaga said.

Francis Seruga, a district councilor, and Edith Namayiga, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Mpigi district, also participated in the discussions, emphasizing the need for transparency and proper implementation.

Engagements are still ongoing to ensure that the landfill is professionally managed, avoiding environmental, health, and safety risks. KCCA and Mpigi district leaders have committed to continuous dialogue with all stakeholders to create a sustainable waste management system that benefits both Kampala and Mpigi.