KCCA races to clear remaining garbage heaps in Kampala suburbs as rains begin

Kampala, Uganda | URN | The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has intensified garbage collection across Kampala’s suburbs as the rainy season sets in, amid growing concern that uncollected waste could clog drainage channels, worsen flooding and increase public health risks.

Over the weekend, piles of garbage were still visible in several suburbs, including Kibuli, Munaku, Kawaala, Bwaise and Makindye, despite ongoing waste evacuation operations following the recent National Cleaning Day.

Residents have expressed concern that if the waste is not removed before heavy rains, it will be washed into drainage channels, leading to blocked waterways, flooding and increased public health risks.

On-the-spot checks by Uganda Radio Network (URN) survey indicate that the Authority has made significant progress in clearing waste from many parts of the city.

Most of the garbage that had accumulated after the cleanup exercise has been transported to the Buyala landfill.

However, a few garbage heaps remain in some areas, particularly in parts of Bwaise, where residents say delayed collection continues to pose environmental and health hazards.

Tony Kibuuka, a resident of Bwaise, said some of the uncollected waste in Bwaise and neighboring Kawaala has started decomposing, producing foul-smelling liquid that is flowing onto roads.

He warned that once heavy rains begin, the waste and leachate could easily be washed into drainage channels, increasing the risk of blockages and flooding in the low-lying areas.

Kibuuka urged KCCA to complete the evacuation of the remaining waste before the rains intensify, saying timely garbage collection is essential to preventing disease outbreaks and maintaining clean neighborhoods.

KCCA has in recent days stepped up waste collection across the city, deploying trucks to clear the remaining heaps as part of its broader efforts to improve sanitation and reduce the impact of flooding during the rainy season.

KCCA has also continued to appeal to residents to dispose of waste responsibly and avoid dumping garbage in drainage channels.