KCCA SIGNS CONTRACT TO SECURE LAND FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has taken a major step toward addressing the city's waste management challenges by securing 230 hectares of land in Buyala, Mpigi District, for the establishment of a modern waste management facility.

The contract for the land acquisition was officially signed on February 14, 2025, between KCCA and landowner Luwaga David Derrick, in the presence of his lawyers Masaba Raphael and Asiimwe Edias.

The land, located approximately 23 kilometers from Kampala, will be the site of a state-of-the-art waste management facility aimed at revolutionizing how the city handles waste.

This development comes in response to the urgent need for a designated site following the challenges experienced at the now closed Kiteezi disposal site.

Speaking at the contract signing ceremony, KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki emphasized that securing the land had been a top priority for the authority.

“After the Kiteezi incident, KCCA needed an alternative land for modern facilities to manage waste and urgently address systemic waste management issues. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in that journey,” Buzeki stated.

She expressed gratitude to the Attorney General and Solicitor General for their legal guidance throughout the process. She also acknowledged the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) for its technical support, which will continue as KCCA moves toward the facility's establishment.

The hospitality and cooperation of the people of Mpigi and Buyala were also recognized, with Buzeki noting that community engagement has been a crucial aspect of the process.

“The support from the people of Mpigi and Buyala has been invaluable. They have guided us on important factors such as alternative routes and access roads, and we will incorporate their input into our plans to ensure the facility coexists well with the community,” she added.

Unlike traditional dumping sites, the planned Buyala waste management facility will incorporate advanced waste treatment and recycling technologies to minimize environmental impact. This initiative aligns with KCCA’s vision of transitioning Kampala’s waste management system into a more sustainable and efficient model.

With Kampala generating approximately 2.5 million kilograms of garbage daily but collecting only about 45%, the new facility is expected to significantly improve waste collection and processing.

“The next steps will now commence, including conducting environmental and social safeguard studies, as well as designing, financing, and developing an integrated waste management program in collaboration with NEMA and other relevant government agencies,” Buzeki explained.

Beyond waste management, the new facility is expected to create economic opportunities for the people of Buyala and Mpigi at large.

“There will be numerous job opportunities for local residents once the facility is fully operational. Our goal is to ensure that members of the community benefit directly from employment opportunities, ultimately transforming their livelihoods,” Buzeki noted.

KCCA is now set to commence the development of the waste management project, ushering in a new era of environmental responsibility and economic growth for the region.