Kampala Lord Mayor Elias Lukwago has called on the government to urgently release 1.3 trillion shillings from the contingency fund to address the city’s growing challenges, warning that failure to act could lead to catastrophic outcomes.

Speaking at a press conference at City Hall in Kampala, Lukwago urged the government to prioritize the city’s infrastructure and public services.

He stressed that without immediate intervention, Kampala faces significant risks, particularly in areas like waste management, drainage, and road maintenance.

“Kampala’s dysfunctionality will persist unless we tackle these long-standing issues head-on,” Lukwago stated. “The government needs to reallocate funds from less critical areas to resolve the urgent infrastructural needs of our city.”

Lukwago highlighted the dire situation at the Kiteezi landfill, which has reached capacity and is causing severe environmental concerns.

The proposed alternative site at Dundu has encountered resistance and logistical challenges, putting Kampala on the brink of a waste management crisis. He emphasized the need for swift action to acquire alternative land for waste disposal to prevent further disasters.

Beyond waste management, Lukwago pointed to other critical needs, including improving drainage systems, road maintenance, and upgrading vulnerable slum areas. He noted that the recent collapse at the Kiteezi landfill, which has resulted in the tragic loss of 35 lives, underscores the consequences of neglect and poor planning.

The Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, Patrick Onyango, confirmed that the death toll from the Kiteezi landfill collapse had risen to 35, following the recovery of another body. Rescue efforts continue, as the city grapples with the aftermath of this disaster.

Lukwago criticized both the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and the government for their failure to act on long-standing warnings about the landfill’s capacity and the potential dangers, calling for accountability and immediate action to prevent further tragedies.