MUDUUMA LEADERS READY TO COLLABORATE WITH KCCA ON BUYALA WASTE FACILITY

Leaders in Muduuma Sub County, Mpigi District, have expressed readiness to work with the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to ensure that the newly established Buyala Waste Management Facility brings benefits to the community while minimizing environmental and health risks.

Muduuma is one of the sub-counties where the landfill is located, making it a key stakeholder in the project.

During a stakeholders’ meeting held at Muduuma Sub County headquarters on June 11, local leaders emphasized the need for regular engagement with KCCA to ensure the facility supports the area’s development.

“We are not against KCCA. We only want to collaborate. We want the landfill to benefit the people of Muduuma and minimize the negatives that come with such a project,” said Musa Kakembo, LCIII Chairperson of Muduuma.

The meeting followed concerns from residents who said garbage dumping began before community consultations. Some feared pollution, health problems, and increased traffic.

Dr. Sarah Zalwango, KCCA’s Director for Public Health and Environment, acknowledged the concerns and explained that early dumping started due to an emergency caused by the collapse of the Kiteezi landfill.

“We had to act quickly, which is why we started before meeting the community. But we are committed to managing the site properly and working with you,” she said. Dr. Zalwango assured residents that operations at Buyala would follow strict environmental and public health guidelines.

Dr. Zalwango emphasized that KCCA wants the people of Muduuma to view the landfill as a shared opportunity for growth, not a burden.

James Bond Kunobere, Acting Deputy Director for Solid Waste Management at KCCA, said the site offers economic potential. “Garbage is gold if handled well. If not, it becomes a danger. But we are going to handle it well,” he said.

Kunobere said KCCA plans to recycle at least 95 percent of the waste delivered to the facility. The landfill was strategically chosen to attract investors who will build recycling and fertilizer plants, potentially creating over 10,000 jobs—giving first priority to Mpigi residents.

“This landfill will serve the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area. It will be developed to the highest standards,” he said.

To address dust raised by garbage trucks, KCCA is using a dedicated water bowser and plans to upgrade roads, including Kisamula–Malume road. Kunobere also noted ongoing feasibility studies and plans to provide water, lighting, and improved security in the area.

Residents were urged to start sorting waste at the household level to support recycling efforts.

Hamis Mutyaba, councilor for Buyala, called for a public toilet in Buyala trading center which has seen a population rise due the facility. Julian Namubiru, an environmental health officer in Muduuma, asked for continuous monitoring of the site’s impact on public health and the environment.

In response, KCCA pledged to hold regular community meetings and form a have deployed a liaison officer to enhance transparency and collaboration.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer