It is unfortunate that the landfill came down on the houses of the residents in the area. There are many unanswered questions about this incident. In 2015, it is told, the authorities were warned of the danger the landfill posed and recommendations of finding another alternative place for dumping garbage were made.
However, the dumping continued until the unfortunate incident.
Kampala produces over 2,000 tonnes of garbage every day, and yet only 50 per cent of this is collected and disposed, leaving more than 1,000 tonnes unattended to. KCCA’s approach to waste management is through a public-private partnership project, which solely relies on the private sector for collection and disposal of garbage. What we desire is a policy or strategy to guide and mitigate such incidents.
Away from Kiteezi, the biggest issue we need to deal with is waste management. We need to proactively walk the journey of recycling our waste and putting it to productive use.
As a country, what is our vision and strategy for all urban and non-urban areas in terms of waste management? How are the cities, municipalities and other local governments managing their waste? Who is monitoring this? The Kiteezi incident may be unfortunate, but there are hard lessons to learn.
There seems to be looming crises in places such as Banda, with a fuel depot surrounded by dwellings and a busy highway. What happens on the fateful day when the depot bursts into flames? Who approved such land use amidst dwellings? Isn’t it time to discuss our city planning?
Should we have fuel depots and landfills in residential areas? These have implications on the health of human life. Do we think about the people of Kasokosoko and what would happen if the Kireka hill, which has been fragmented, gives away one day?
Do authorities see these things? Do they take time to assess the likely scenarios especially with the continuous rains due to climate change?
We must, as a matter of urgency, settle these questions. The planning and implementation units should speak one language and at all times; the human rights- based approach should prevail as all plans should focus on protecting and improving lives of people in Uganda.
We cannot continue to respond to these incidents as emergencies when we know what to do, but simply decide not to act. The negligence of those in leadership should not cost any further lives, for the blood of the innocent lives is upon their shoulders.
Michael Aboneka,
Kampala.
Kiteezi symbolizes neglect and corruption
1. Neglect of waste management: The Kiteezi landfill was operating beyond its capacity, and warnings about its instability were ignored. This neglect of proper waste management practices led to the tragic collapse.
2. Corruption: The failure to acquire new land for a landfill and the continued use of Kiteezi despite its risks suggest corruption and mismanagement within the government and waste management authorities.
3. Disregard for community concerns: Residents’ complaints about the landfill’s impact on their health and environment were disregarded, demonstrating lack of accountability and concern for public welfare.
4. Lack of enforcement and regulation: Inadequate enforcement of environmental regulations and safety standards contributed to the disaster, highlighting the need for stronger oversight and accountability.
5. Prioritization of interests over lives: The pursuit of economic interests or political gain seemingly took precedence over public
safety and well-being, leading to a preventable tragedy.
The Kiteezi disaster serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglect and corruption, emphasizing the need for transparency, accountability and responsible governance to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Victoria Mwiru,
Kampala
Don’t dump waste near Lake Victoria!
As I watch politicians bicker over jurisdiction, I am appalled by the sheer recklessness of proposing to dump waste near Lake Victoria in Nkumba in light of the Kiteezi disaster. This is not just a matter of territorial claims; it’s a ticking time bomb waiting to unleash environmental catastrophe.
Lake Victoria, the lifeline of our region, is already facing numerous threats, from pollution to overfishing. And now, our leaders want to add dumping waste to the mix! It’s unconscionable. The potential consequences are dire.
These include water pollution, where toxic waste will seep into the lake, contaminating the water and threatening the livelihoods of fishermen and communities relying on it. It will also lead to soil contamination, affecting local agriculture and food security.
There will also be loss of biodiversity, disrupting the delicate ecosystem of Lake Victoria, and pushing countless species to the brink of extinction.
I understand that the Kiteezi disaster has left us with a pressing need for a quick solution. In that case, let’s identify a suitable area that minimizes environmental risks.
We need to look at an abandoned or unused quarry, with proper containment measures; a low-lying area with impermeable soil, far from water sources and residential areas; and a temporary landfill with robust fencing, netting, and regular monitoring Not Lake Victoria’s shores!
Let us not trade our children’s inheritance for political power plays. The consequences of dumping waste near Lake Victoria will be felt for generations to come.
Anselm Ssebuguzi,
Kampala
We have to fight corruption
We love our country, but we detest the deafening silence of our leaders who publicly condemn corruption yet secretly consort with those who plunder our national wealth.
We abhor the inaction and complacency of those in authority. For nearly four decades, they have promised to catch the thieves, yet have only managed to ensnare innocent activists. These leaders arrest and jail those who dare to speak the truth, while they continue to loot our nation’s resources with impunity.
As members of the NRM party, we feel these so-called NRM leaders no longer represent us. We are embarrassed that these individuals no longer have our country’s best interests at heart. It is shameful to identify Uganda as our country under their misrule.
The people are left to suffer, struggling to access basic necessities like healthcare and education, while our leaders grow fat on the spoils jail innocent activists but turn a blind eye to the real criminals who flaunt their ill-gotten wealth.
When those in authority get tired of fighting corruption, what should we do? Should we stand by and watch as our nation is plundered?
Those who feel the brunt of this corruption – the young people, the sick who can’t access essential drugs, the impoverished families struggling to make ends meet – are crying out for justice.
These are the true victims of the greed and avarice that have infected our leadership. If you are a Ugandan, and you see the irresponsible thuggery happening in parliament, the arrogant leaders who steal and misuse our resources, who luxuriate in our hard-earned taxes and do not appreciate our efforts, but instead jail us, should you open your hands and bless them?
Should we hail these thieves as heroes of Uganda? They want us to remain silent, and this is where we disagree. We love our country, but our leaders have taken the wrong route. The protestors were not facilitated by foreign agents in this protest; but even if we were, the most unpatriotic, evil person a country can have is a corrupt leader.
Wilfred Arinda Nsheeka,
Rubanda district.
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