environment 18 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Mbale's New Leaders Face Urgent Challenge: Tackling Escalating Garbage Crisis
Residents of Mbale City are urging their newly elected leadership to prioritize waste management and address the growing piles of garbage that plague the urban center. The city grapples with an overwhelmed disposal system and inconsistent collection services, a situation demanding immediate attention from the incoming administration. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/garbage-piles-put-new-mbale-leaders-to-test-5464718
Mbale City’s recently elected officials face a significant test as residents demand urgent action to combat the escalating garbage crisis. The city, once lauded for its cleanliness, is now struggling with overflowing dumpsites and a breakdown in waste management services, overshadowing the celebratory mood of the new administration.
The Doko dumping site, a primary waste disposal area, is overwhelmed, with refuse spilling beyond its boundaries and creating a foul stench. Residents like Peter Wanzala describe living with daily odors and flies, with contaminated water flowing into their homes during rainfall.
This situation stems from rapid urbanization outpacing Mbale’s waste management capacity. The city generates approximately 6,000 tonnes of waste daily, but only about 40 percent is collected and disposed of properly. Despite a system of 10 collection zones and six private companies, residents report unreliable services and inconsistent pick-ups, leading to illegal dumping.
“You clean your place in the morning, but the garbage can stay there for days,” says Joanita Buteme, a vendor at Kikindu Market. Traders like Joseph Wanika note that despite paying monthly fees, collections are often halved, prompting some to resort to nighttime illegal dumping in drainage channels and bushes.
City officials acknowledge the difficulties, with the City Environment Officer, Rodah Nyaribi, stating the need for community support. Inadequate equipment, particularly a shortage of functional garbage trucks, is a major contributing factor. Mbale reportedly has only one operational garbage truck out of three.
The consequences of poor waste management are severe, exacerbating flooding in low-lying areas due to blocked drainage channels and posing significant health risks. Dr. Ernest Kutoi warns of breeding grounds for disease-causing organisms, leading to potential outbreaks of diarrheal diseases and skin infections.
While plans are reportedly underway to improve infrastructure, including a new waste sorting facility, and some progress has been made through plastic recycling initiatives, the challenges remain substantial. Officials emphasize the need for a shift in community attitudes towards waste disposal, stating that residents themselves contribute to the city’s uncleanliness.
This article was sourced from the Daily Monitor (Uganda).