President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has ordered a thorough investigation and immediate action following the tragic collapse of the Kiteezi landfill, which has so far claimed 21 lives after a massive garbage slide buried homes on Saturday morning.

The President directed Deputy Inspector General of Government (IGG) Anne Twino Muhairwe to lead the investigation and provide recommendations on how to address the issue, with an emphasis on preventing further settlements near the hazardous site.

President Museveni expressed his dismay that such a disaster could occur and questioned how people were allowed to settle near the landfill, noting that even without a collapse, the effluent from the rubbish heap poses significant health risks.

He compared this situation to traditional organic waste heaps, which, though hazardous, were less dangerous than the plastic-filled Kiteezi mound.

The President also revealed that KCCA Executive Director Dorothy Kisaka had informed him of the Authority’s previous attempts to relocate the landfill to Dundu. However, residents of Dundu opposed the move, unwilling to live near a landfill similar to Kiteezi.

KCCA had been working on ways to positively utilize the waste, such as generating electricity, producing manure, and recycling plastics, but this has not addressed the immediate dangers posed by the current landfill.

In response to the disaster, Museveni directed Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja to coordinate the evacuation of all households in the danger zone and to ensure the continuation of rescue operations.

He also announced a condolence package of Shs5 million for each person who died in the collapse and Shs1 million for each person injured.

The President emphasized that Ugandans must learn from this tragedy and avoid settling in dangerous areas such as wetlands, lake shores, riverbanks, and forests, which expose them to various hazards, including diseases like monkeypox and Ebola.

He criticized those who encourage such settlements, labeling them as enemies of the people.

The UPDF Special Forces have also been deployed to assist in the ongoing rescue efforts.

President Museveni concluded by extending his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and praying for the eternal peace of the departed souls, while urging Ugandans to heed the lessons from this catastrophe and avoid living in hazardous environments.

In a related development, the Deputy IGG and Inspector General of Police Abass Byakagaba have ordered the arrest of Daniel NuweAbiine, Kampala Capital City Authority’s (KCCA) Head of Public and Corporate Affairs.

NuweAbiine is accused of obstructing the investigation by instructing KCCA officers who had recorded statements about the incident not to sign them. This obstruction is seen as a serious impediment to the investigation initiated at the President’s directive.