- A landfill collapse in Kampala, Uganda, resulted in 18 deaths and 14 injuries.
- The collapse was triggered by heavy rainfall and a structural failure in the landfill.
- President Museveni has ordered an investigation and financial compensation for victims’ families.
The collapse of the Kiteezi landfill in Kampala has led to a tragic death toll, with at least 18 confirmed dead and many more injured.
Heavy rains and a structural failure caused the landfill to give way, engulfing homes and people in a deluge of waste. Rescue efforts are being hampered by ongoing rainfall and the unstable conditions at the site.
Uganda’s Kiteezi Landfill Collapse: A National Tragedy
The Kiteezi landfill, situated on a steep slope in a low-income area, has been a point of concern for years. Plans to close the site and establish a new waste disposal area outside the city have been delayed since 2016. The proximity of homes and informal settlements to the landfill has exacerbated the risk, resulting in this catastrophic incident.
President Yoweri Museveni has expressed deep concern over the incident, demanding a thorough investigation into the events leading up to the collapse. He has questioned the decision-making processes that allowed people to live so close to a hazardous landfill and has ordered the removal of residents from the “danger zone.”
The landfill, located on a steep slope in a marginalized part of the city, has long been a subject of criticism due to its hazardous conditions. Despite plans to relocate the waste disposal site since 2016, the project has faced numerous delays, leaving residents vulnerable to such disasters.
In response to the crisis, Museveni has directed the army’s special forces to assist in rescue operations and has announced financial compensation for the victims’ families. The collapse has displaced around 1,000 people, highlighting the urgent need for improved waste management and safety measures in the city.
The Kiteezi landfill disaster underscores the urgent need for effective waste management solutions and improved safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. The incident has exposed significant flaws in urban planning and emergency preparedness, prompting a call for immediate action and accountability.
“Who allowed people to live near such a potentially hazardous and dangerous heap?” — This quote by President Yoweri Museveni reflects the gravity
