UGANDA – The Katabi landfill, a sprawling 14-acre waste dumping site, has become a source of distress for the local community as a constant influx of rubbish trucks from Kampala and Wakiso arrive daily to offload waste.
The overwhelming stench from a mix of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste now pervades the area, significantly impacting residents.
This surge in waste disposal at Katabi follows a tragic disaster at the Kiteezi landfill, where over 35 people lost their lives, and 28 others remain missing.
The disaster has forced authorities to redirect waste to Katabi temporarily. According to Entebbe Municipality Mayor Fabrice Rulinda, the relief agreement with the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) for waste dumping in Katabi will expire on August 19, 2024.
“After this date, KCCA will need to find alternative locations for excess waste disposal,” Rulinda stated.
Rulinda also pointed out the challenges associated with dumping sites near urban areas, including the risk of birds interfering with aircraft, which could lead to aeronautical accidents.
He emphasized the importance of educating the public on separating plastic waste from biodegradable materials and advocated for establishing recycling plants to process waste and generate energy.
Daniel Muhumuza Nuweabine, head of Public Relations at KCCA, explained that the decision to move waste dumping to Katabi was a response to the challenges faced at Kiteezi.
The Kiteezi landfill had previously served Kampala and surrounding areas such as Wakiso, Mukono, and Kasangati.
While the agreement with Entebbe Municipality is set to expire soon, discussions are ongoing to explore the possibility of continuing waste disposal at Katabi.
Muhumuza also highlighted KCCA’s plan to establish a recycling plant to improve waste management and energy generation soon.
The situation at the Katabi landfill has created chaos, with garbage trucks often stuck in long queues due to blocked roads and a recent ban on landfill access imposed by the mayor.
“The roadblock and the mayor’s actions have caused significant delays, leaving many trucks stranded with no alternative dumping sites,” reported Emmanuel Adriko, a Armstrong Global Solutions Limited garbage truck driver.
Local residents have expressed deep concern about the impact of the temporary relocation of garbage to their community.
Enoch Kyagulanyi, a resident, shared his frustration with The Observer, “Since the garbage was redirected to Katabi, our community has been plagued by air pollution.
“The trucks produce a foul smell, and the increased dumping has contaminated our local wells and diminished the quality of fish in nearby ponds.”
The surge in waste has also led to road blockages, making movement within the community difficult. Kyagulanyi warned of the potential for waste to spill into nearby Lake Victoria, contaminating the water that many Ugandans rely on. He urged the government to develop a more effective strategy for managing waste.
Vincent Nsubuga, a local shopkeeper, noted that the influx of garbage has driven some residents away.
“The terrible smell from the increased rubbish dumping is pushing tenants out of rental properties, leading to a loss of clients for rental house owners,” Nsubuga explained.
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