Kampala Suburbs Still Marooned in Garbage a Week After National Cleaning Day

A week after Uganda’s inaugural National Cleaning Day, heaps of uncollected garbage continue to plague various Kampala suburbs, sparking public health concerns among residents. Areas including Bwaise, Munaku, Nabulagala, Tula Road, and Kibuli are reportedly still struggling with waste that was gathered during the cleanup exercise.

The situation is particularly dire in Bwaise, where collected waste lies decomposing along Mukalazi Road, close to homes and businesses. Residents describe a strong stench and an increase in flies and maggots, raising fears of potential disease outbreaks.

Hajjat Sharifah Nabitalo, a resident of Bwaise, highlighted the daily difficulties faced by locals and business owners due to the lingering waste. “We urge KCCA to remove the waste before it poses a serious public health risk,” she stated.

Some residents have resorted to burning the excess garbage, inadvertently creating air pollution issues. Businesses are also feeling the impact, with decomposing waste deterring customers from patronizing establishments located near the rubbish piles.

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) executive director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki acknowledged the unusually high volume of waste generated during the cleaning day. While KCCA claims most of the garbage has been cleared, collection is ongoing in certain affected communities, with multiple trucks deployed in areas like Makindye Division.

Looking ahead, KCCA plans to revise the National Cleaning Day strategy. Dr. Sarah Zalwango, Director of Public Health, announced that future cleanups will require residents to dispose of waste directly into designated collection trucks, rather than leaving it by the roadsides. The authority also emphasized the importance of regular waste management subscriptions and source separation for better recycling and efficiency.

Despite KCCA’s assurances, residents in affected suburbs continue to call for the prompt removal of the remaining waste to avert a public health crisis. https://observer.ug/news/kampala-suburbs-still-littered-with-uncollected-garbage-a-week-after-national-cleaning-day