Residents of Kamonkoli Town Council in Budaka, Eastern Uganda, are expressing dissatisfaction with the ongoing issue of uncollected garbage, leading to piles accumulating on the town’s streets.
The town is grappling with unattended garbage heaps, causing distress among residents and the business community. Complaints about the foul odor emanating from the accumulated waste have prompted protests from locals.
Tenants and concerned citizens took matters into their own hands, hiring tricycles to load and dump garbage in front of the town hall’s main entrance. This action served as a visible protest against the town council officials’ perceived inaction in addressing the garbage problem.
According to Mr. Sam Wajega, an opinion leader and affected landlord, both residents and the business community have repeatedly raised concerns with town council officials about the irregular collection and disposal of garbage, which negatively impacts local businesses.
The residents claim that the town council authorities have not collected garbage from the central business district for over a year, exacerbating the environmental and health issues in the area.
Ms. Connie Mudenya, a local juice seller, highlighted the adverse effects of the garbage on businesses. The unpleasant smell and flies have driven away customers, impacting the livelihoods of those operating in close proximity to the dumping site.
In response to the mounting concerns, the LC3 Chairman, Mr. Christopher Wamubiligwe Ketta, assured residents that the town council is actively seeking suitable land for waste disposal. He attributed the delayed garbage removal to a lack of space and emphasized their commitment to procuring a designated garbage site.
While acknowledging the garbage challenge in Kamonkoli Town Council, leaders emphasized the town’s new status and limited budget as factors complicating effective waste management. Despite their efforts, the issue persists, impacting service delivery in the area.
Kamonkoli Town Council, part of Budaka District Local Government, is a recently established town council with a population of 25,500 and two wards.
