Earlier today 15th August, the Presidential Committee was briefed on the unfortunate disaster at Kiteezi KCCA garbage landfill. The team disclosed death of 30 local individuals, men, women and children retrieved from the rubble since Saturday. Though many have been identified by families and relatives, 2 bodies are unclaimed while others are still declared missing. It is alleged that landslide occurred and solid waste covered between 36 to 45 households in the surrounding areas. Several stakeholders KCCA, Office of the Prime Minister, Minister for Relief and Disaster Preparedness, Office of the President, Uganda Police and others camped at Kiteezi liasing to find favourable solution for families involved and garbage mitigation alternatives as President Museveni questions who slept on job.
KCCA director physical planning Byendaimira Vincent Biribonwa acknowledged government awareness to risk factors at Kiteezi Landfill but weren’t able to act in time due to delayed released of funds. Lawyers and human rights activists holds government responsible arguing if sued can be charged with negligence and inaction leading to loss of lives and property.
Though President Museveni through PM Nabanjja offered financial support of 5million shillings each to the deceased families and 1 million shillings to survivors, leaders, activists and the public believe it’s not enough considering the damages involved.
Estimates of 150 displaced persons are believed to be taking shelter at the temporary shelter offered by Uganda Red Cross Society and well wishes. Minister for Relief and Disaster Preparedness Lilian Aber advised on collective responsibility in garbage mitigation processes that can allow KCCA continue garbage collection to avoid another disaster of garbage accumulation in the city and surrounding areas.
