environment 14 September 2026 Nile Post
Gulu City Grapples with Waste Crisis as Only Half of Daily Garbage is Collected
Gulu City is struggling to manage its growing waste problem, with less than half of the estimated 120-137 tonnes of solid waste generated daily being collected. This leaves substantial amounts of garbage to accumulate in public spaces and residential areas, posing health risks. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/370722/gulu-city-fails-to-collect-half-of-daily-waste-as-heaps-pile-up
Gulu City is facing a significant challenge in managing the waste generated by its residents and markets. The city produces an estimated 120 to 137 tonnes of solid waste each day, but authorities are only able to collect approximately half of this amount.
The uncollected waste is accumulating in neighbourhoods, blocking drainage systems, and piling up at the Gulu Main Market. The situation at the market, a vital trading hub, has become a serious health concern for vendors and shoppers alike.
Mayor Julius Labeja Acire has acknowledged the city council’s limitations in handling the escalating waste burden. He cited insufficient funding and a mere five garbage trucks as major obstacles. To address this, the council is exploring the possibility of subcontracting waste management services to private firms.
“The current quantity of garbage generated within Gulu City is beyond what the council can manage to collect on a daily [basis],” Mayor Labeja stated. He emphasized the need for a coordinated system that covers waste generation, collection, disposal, and processing.
Traders at the Gulu Main Market, while noting some improvement compared to previous administrations, still face daily struggles. Patrick Omaya, the market vendors’ chairperson, described the situation as “choking and unhealthy” on days when collection trucks fail to appear. The vendors’ primary hope is for consistent fuel supply and well-maintained vehicles for the collection services.
The city’s waste management crisis highlights a growing gap in service delivery, exacerbated by rapid population growth and expanding commercial activities. The mayor believes that partnering with private sector operators is the most feasible solution to create a more efficient and affordable waste management system.