Kisaka Urges Lusanja Residents to Evacuate Buffer Zones to Prevent Further Disasters
KAMPALA – Dorothy Kisaka, the Executive Director of the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), has urgently called on residents living within the 200 meter buffer zone around Lusanja to relocate immediately. This plea comes amid fears of another potential garbage slide following recent heavy rains.
At a community outreach event held on August 18, 2024, at the Kiteezi Church of Uganda Primary School playground, Kisaka emphasized the dangers of remaining in the buffer zone. “We are making an appeal for the people to move away from the buffer zone,” Kisaka stated. “Because of the continuing rains, there is a danger that we might get another slide and the dirt itself might continue flooding into the houses.”
The appeal follows a catastrophic event on August 10, when a massive garbage slide covered over 50 homes in Lusanja, resulting in 35 confirmed deaths and 28 individuals still missing.
KCCA reports that Kampala generates approximately 2,500 tons of garbage daily. Until recently, Kiteezi was the site where 170 truckloads of garbage were deposited each day. Kisaka noted that the number of displaced residents at the Kiteezi camp has risen from 266 to 300 since Friday.
Efforts are being made by KCCA to find alternative locations for garbage disposal to avoid further disasters. Kisaka emphasized, “We cannot bring more garbage to Kiteezi in the situation it is in.” The government and KCCA are actively seeking new sites for waste management to mitigate future risks.
In addition to the evacuation efforts, Kisaka praised the support from various donors. The Islam Circles of Uganda, a charitable Muslim organization, has contributed essential items including 1.4 tons of maize flour and clothing to the disaster victims. The donation was handed over by Sheikh Yasin Kiweewa, the director of dawa under the office of the Supreme Mufti, and lawyer Elias Luyimbaazi Nalukoola.
Further support was provided by the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU). Led by Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, the Minister of State for Gender, Labour, and Social Development, the PLU delivered 1,000 kg of beans and 2,000 kg of maize flour to the Uganda Red Cross Society and the Office of the Prime Minister. This aid was presented in the presence of Residence District Commissioner (RDC) Justine Mbabazi and other local officials.
