The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) is grappling with a serious crisis as the Kirinya-Bukasa cemetery in Bweyogerere sub-county has reached capacity, forcing the Kira Municipal Council to halt burials.
The situation has been exacerbated by the shallow burial depths, which have allowed rabid dogs to unearth and consume human remains, causing widespread distress among residents.
Numerous petitions have been submitted to authorities by concerned citizens. Christopher Kezimbira, a resident of Namataba, described the appalling conditions, stating, “I work here under extremely challenging circumstances. Bodies are often brought in and piled up. Dogs come and feed on them.”
Dirisa Byamukama, the Chairperson, lamented the unbearable stench emanating from the cemetery, attributing it to the advanced state of decomposition of the bodies upon arrival. “The stench is unbearable because the bodies are typically transported from the hospital already decayed,” he explained.
Ali Samanya, another Namataba resident, highlighted the severe health risks posed by the swarms of flies attracted to the decomposing bodies.
Residents fear that this situation could trigger outbreaks of infectious diseases. In response, the Kira Municipal Council held an emergency meeting and decided to close the cemetery.
Council representatives have already communicated this decision to KCCA. Rashidag Nanyonga, the Deputy Mayor of Kira Municipality, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “That cemetery is already full, yet KCCA continues to inter bodies. Dogs come and drag out parts of the deceased. Currently, the entire village is unbearable due to the smell.”
KCCA spokesperson Daniel Nuwabiine acknowledged receiving the resolution to close the cemetery and confirmed that they are actively searching for an alternative burial site to accommodate the remaining bodies.
“We will do our best to resolve this issue as it is our duty to manage these areas in a manner that does not reflect poorly on the city and country,” he stated.
This crisis comes amidst ongoing opposition to KCCA’s plans to establish a new landfill in Buyala, Wakiso, following the collapse of the Kitezi landfill. Notably, both the cemetery and the proposed landfill sites are located in Wakiso District, not within the Kampala city boundaries.
