Mukono Municipality leaders, led by Deputy Town Clerk Majerani Luboyera and Municipal MP Betty Nambooze, have ordered the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to cease waste dumping at Katikolo landfill. This decision follows KCCA’s failure to fulfill key conditions agreed upon for the temporary use of the site.
In August, the Mukono Council allowed KCCA to use Katikolo for waste disposal for just three days, as a short-term solution after Kiteezi landfill was deemed unusable. This permission came with several conditions, including the allocation of UGX 4.5 billion for purchasing land and constructing a waste management plant in Mukono. Other promises included fencing the site, improving roads, and connecting surrounding households to clean water. However, local leaders noted that none of these conditions had been met.
During a meeting with KCCA officials at the landfill, Luboyera announced the immediate halt, saying, “You have violated the agreement. From this moment, we ask you to find another site for your garbage.”
Local leaders and residents have raised concerns about the 2,500 tonnes of waste being dumped daily at the five-acre site. Environment Officer George Masengere’s claim that KCCA had provided some support to manage the waste only intensified the frustration of Mukono leaders, who accused him of ignoring the residents’ plight.
Village Chairperson Godfrey Sebulidde voiced fears of health hazards, pointing out the growing risk of disease outbreaks and water contamination in the community, especially with the proximity of a wetland and several wells.
Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago acknowledged the complaints, stating that KCCA would look into alternatives and seek government funds to secure a new landfill location, ensuring the challenges faced at Kiteezi do not spill over into Mukono.
