UGANDA – The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has announced plans to develop a waste-to-energy facility on 135 acres of land in Ddundu Parish, Mukono District.
The project, which aims to address the growing waste management challenges in Kampala and surrounding areas, is currently in the preparatory stages.
KCCA Executive Director Dorothy Kisaka revealed that critical pre-feasibility studies, including technical surveys and soil and groundwater tests, have been completed to inform the design and sizing of the waste incineration infrastructure.
“The land is legally owned by KCCA, with all necessary documentation and title deeds in place. It was acquired in 2016 for Shs5 billion after due diligence and negotiation,” Kisaka stated.
Her remarks were made during a meeting with the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE), where she addressed concerns raised by MPs regarding the Kiteezi landfill slide and waste management issues in Kampala.
Kisaka also mentioned that the land was originally intended for a regional waste management facility to replace the overburdened Kiteezi landfill.
However, the Ministry of Health has used only two acres for a medical waste incineration facility. Local opposition has hindered further development, as community leaders in Mukono have filed lawsuits against KCCA’s plans.
Kisaka assured the committee that ongoing engagement with the community aims to resolve concerns and ensure mutual benefits from the project.
Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura reported that KCCA currently operates with only 12 garbage trucks, which are insufficient to serve the 60% of Kampala’s population residing in informal settlements.
She emphasized the urgent need for new waste collection vehicles, noting that the fleet had drastically dwindled from 48 to 12 trucks over the past decade, and no additional trucks had been procured recently.
Recently, the country secured over US$600 million from the World Bank and the French Development Agency (AFD) to improve infrastructure and waste management in Kampala.
This comes amid citizens’ complaints about poor road conditions and waste management, following a landfill landslide that killed 35 people.
According to official statements, the World Bank will provide US$566 million, largely in credit, while the AFD will contribute US$42.7 million.
The World Bank highlighted that Kampala’s rapid urban growth has revealed significant infrastructure gaps.
The institution also mentioned that while a lending ban to Uganda remains due to an anti-gay law enacted last year, the latest funding had been approved before the ban.
Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World HERE
