Kiteezi tragedy trash: KCCA offers temporary shelter to affected families

By Our Reporter 

KAMPALA –As of today, Monday 12th August 2024 the rescue operation at the Kiteezi garbage dump landslide site has continued. The latest from reliable source indicates that, the Prime Minister will chair a meeting on site. Apparently, figures from the Uganda Police, 21 bodies have been recovered and the search and rescue mission is still ongoing, with efforts focused on finding any remaining victims.

This operation involves multiple agencies, including the Uganda Red Cross, the UPDF, and local authorities, who are working tirelessly to ensure all affected persons are accounted for.

Speaking with our reporter this afternoon, Kampala Executive Director Ms. Dorothy Kisaka, has revealed that the authority, in collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and the Uganda Red Cross Society, have initiated an Emergency Response centre located at Kiteezi church of Uganda Primary school.

She explained that these temporary shelters are fully equipped to receive people and many have taken temporary residence there. “Emergency shelter tents have been set up to accommodate the affected families” she noted. Adding that, there is water, lighting and sanitary facilities. She also informed highlighted out that other stakeholders like the OPM has already delivered food supplies to sustain those impacted by the tragedy.

Kisaka pointed out that an ongoing assessment is being conducted in partnership with local leadership to gather accurate data on the affected individuals, which will inform further interventions. Concerning security, the Executive Director said, security forces, including the UPDF and Uganda Police Force, are ensuring the safety of the area and assisting in the recovery operations.

When asked on the current area for disposals on the garbage being collected in Kampala, City boss assured the residents of Kampala not to worry as the authority has already secured temporary access to the Nkumba dumpsite through a collaborative effort with the Entebbe municipality leadership. She added that on a daily basis, Kampala generates at least 2,500 tons of garbage daily. And Only 50% of that is typically disposed of at the Kiteezi landfill.

The Nkumba dumpsite, located along Mpala, Kisubi on Entebbe Road, will temporarily accommodate the waste collected from Kampala. To support this transition, KCCA will provide the necessary equipment and manpower to ensure efficient operations at Nkumba until a more permanent waste disposal solution is established.

Commenting of actions by IGG in response to President Museveni’s directive, Kisaka emphasized that as an authority , KCCA is a law abiding institution with a policy of value for money and zero tolerance to corruption. “We will work with the Office of the Inspector General of Government (IGG) on the investigation of KCCA officials. The authority is dedicated to transparency and accountability in its operations” she said.

However, according to Kisaka they are currently focusing on the safety of victims as directed by the President, and the Prime Minister is coordinating efforts to ensure the removal of all households located in the danger zone. KCCA will actively support these efforts, which include securing the area and facilitating the ongoing recovery mission.