By Kabuye Ronald
President Yoweri Museveni has ordered the State House to allocate Shs5 million to each family of those who died in the tragic Kiteezi landfill collapse on Saturday morning. Additionally, Shs1 million will be provided to each person injured in the disaster.
The collapse of Kampala’s only garbage dump resulted in at least 12 confirmed deaths and numerous injuries, as houses in the vicinity were buried under the debris. The incident has prompted an immediate response from the government and local authorities.
In a statement made on Sunday, President Museveni extended his condolences to the affected families but criticized the decision to allow residential areas near such a hazardous site.
“The first question that comes to mind is: ‘Who allowed people to live near such a potentially hazardous and dangerous heap?’” Museveni said, expressing concerns about the health risks posed by the landfill’s waste.
Museveni highlighted the danger of living near the landfill, emphasizing that even without the collapse, the effluent from such waste would be hazardous. He noted that previous plans to relocate the landfill to Dundu in Mukono were thwarted by local opposition. Instead, efforts have focused on recycling and converting the waste into useful resources, such as electricity and manure.
The President has instructed Deputy Inspector General of Government (IGG) Anne Muhairwe to investigate the circumstances leading to the residential settlement near the landfill and report back expeditiously. Additionally, he has directed the Prime Minister to oversee the relocation of households from the danger zone and to coordinate the ongoing rescue efforts.
Museveni urged the public to stay away from dangerous areas, including forests, swamps, and rivers, and criticized those who encourage settlement in hazardous locations. He also called on the Special Force Command to assist in the rescue operations at Kiteezi.
The Kiteezi landfill disaster has sparked a broader discussion about urban planning and the management of hazardous waste sites, underscoring the need for stringent safety measures and effective relocation plans.
