Entebbe Municipality Mayor Fabrice Brad Rulinda has announced a ban on the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) from disposing of garbage at the Nkumba Bukolwa dumpsite in Katabi, Wakiso district. The decision, made on Wednesday, also affects all but 23 trucks that had already arrived at the site that day.
Mayor Rulinda’s action overrides a previous decision made by Katabi Town Council, led by Mayor Roland Kalema, which had permitted KCCA trucks to use the Nkumba dumpsite for waste disposal. This decision was made after a meeting between Mayor Kalema and KCCA Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.
Rulinda’s ban, effective from Thursday, was prompted by concerns over environmental damage and health hazards. He accused KCCA truck operators of improperly dumping waste into Lake Victoria, resulting in pollution. The New Vision team observed heaps of garbage close to the lake, highlighting the environmental risks.
The Kiteezi landfill, which serves Kampala and parts of Wakiso district, recently experienced a landslide that affected several homes and claimed 36 lives. The disaster, caused by heavy rains, has prompted KCCA to seek alternative waste disposal solutions.
Rulinda justified the ban by citing environmental degradation at the Nkumba site. He reported that garbage was not only dumped on land but also in nearby swamps, leading to further pollution and health issues for local residents. Rulinda criticized the condition of the trucks, noting that they were leaking dirty water onto the roads.
The Entebbe Municipality is also addressing land encroachment issues, with Rulinda stating that the actual land available for dumping is less than what was initially recorded. He warned those occupying the land to vacate promptly, as the municipality plans to reclaim and protect the area.
On Tuesday, after the closed meeting between KCCA and Katabi council officials, an agreement was reached to allow KCCA to use the dumpsite for one month only. This temporary measure was intended to alleviate immediate waste management challenges while a longer term solution is sought.
