ARCADE OWNERS ENCOURAGED TO PRIORITIZE SANITATION AND SEWER LINE CONNECTIONS

Leaders from Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), the Ministry of Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, and the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) have met with arcade owners and developers to strengthen collaboration on improving sanitation and sewer connections in the city.

During the engagement at the KCCA Executive Director’s boardroom, on April 29, the Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, encouraged property owners to take the lead in keeping Kampala clean and healthy by ensuring proper sanitation and direct connections to the sewer line

“We need to work together. You are key stakeholders in this city. Let’s take steps to ensure every building is connected to the sewer system. Government is ready to support and incentivize connections,” Minister Kabanda said. She also called on property owners to restore sanitation facilities that were converted into shops, noting that functional toilets are essential to public health.

She asked NWSC to consider giving arcade owners a grace period to connect their buildings on the sewer line at a reduced price.

“This is the campaign we need to have, so that more people get connected. We should open this window and if they fail, to cooperate then you can go ahead and enforce,” Kabanda said.

State Minister for Kampala, Hon. Kabuye Kyofatogabye, encouraged developers to work closely with agencies like KCCA, NWSC, and UEDCL before starting construction projects.

“By respecting infrastructure plans and protecting service lines, we create space for drainage, sewer lines, and utilities. Let’s plan smart and build responsibly,” Kyofatogabye said.

He condemned developers who have constructed on sewer lines and drainages.

KCCA Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki urged building owners to carry out renovations that improve hygiene, including restoring proper waste disposal areas and enhancing the appearance of building frontages.

“Sanitation and beautification go hand in hand. Let’s create a welcoming and clean environment for everyone who works and shops in our arcades,” Buzeki said.

NWSC General Manager for Kampala Water, Eng. Mahmood Lutaaya, reassured participants that the city has enough water supply to support increased sewer connections. “Our goal is to achieve 100% sewer coverage in the Central Business District. Where there are engineering challenges, we are implementing innovative solutions to make connections possible,” Lutaaya said.

Dr. Sarah Zalwango, Director of Public Health at KCCA, encouraged property owners to view sewer connection as an investment in health and safety. “Connecting your buildings to the sewer system is not just about compliance, it’s about protecting your tenants, customers, and the wider community,” Zalwango said.

Arcade owner Mutasa Kafero welcomed the dialogue and committed to action. “We have listened, and we are ready to respond. Connect to the sewer system, and do our part to keep the city clean,” he said.

The meeting emphasized collaboration, not enforcement, and highlighted sanitation as a shared responsibility that benefits everyone. KCCA reaffirmed its readiness to provide technical support and fast-track approvals for building improvements related to sanitation and hygiene.

By working together, officials and property owners are laying the foundation for a cleaner, healthier, and more organized Kampala.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer