By Namuli N Racheal
Fabrice Rulinda, along with Deputy Kabwama Charles and their executive team, have taken decisive action to halt the dumping of garbage in Nkumba Bukolwa by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). This suspension, effective immediately, follows concerns about the site’s capacity and management.
Rulinda expressed frustration over the lack of communication between his team and KCCA regarding the dumping activities. “We have never been consulted by KCCA about this issue,” Rulinda stated, urging the authority to adhere to proper procedures and seek alternative solutions.
Deputy Mayor Kabwama Charles supported Rulinda’s stance, emphasizing that the Nkumba Bukolwa site cannot handle waste from both the local area and Kampala. He has called on KCCA to find another suitable location to manage the city’s waste effectively.
The decision comes in the wake of a significant agreement reached on August 13, 2024, between Kampala Lord Mayor Elias Lukwago and Katabi Town Council leaders. Following the collapse of the Kiteezi Landfill, which resulted in over 21 fatalities and numerous injuries, an emergency meeting was convened to address the urgent waste management crisis.
During this closed-door meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed, outlining a temporary waste management plan for Nkumba Bwaise. The key provisions of the MoU include:
- Temporary Dumping Agreement: Nkumba Bwaise will serve as a temporary dumping site for one month to manage waste from the Kiteezi Landfill’s closure.
- Dust Control Measures: KCCA will provide a water tank for regular watering of the road to control dust and minimize its impact on residents.
- Road Grading: The Nkumba Kasenyi road will be graded to provide an alternative route for garbage trucks, alleviating some of the inconvenience for local residents.
- Boundary Management: Measures will be implemented to ensure garbage does not exceed designated boundaries, protecting the nearby wetland from contamination.
Despite these provisions, truck drivers who were stranded at the site have pleaded with local authorities for a resolution to the immediate concerns. The situation remains fluid as stakeholders work to address the waste management crisis and ensure proper procedures are followed.
