Fire Engulfs Kampala's Kiteezi Landfill Amid Claims of Mismanagement.
A massive fire erupted Saturday morning at the closed Kiteezi landfill in Kampala, Uganda, prompting urgent questions about government oversight and fund allocation. Thick smoke billowed from the site as emergency teams worked to contain the blaze.
Kyadondo East MP Nkunyingi Muwada criticized the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) leadership, pointing to a pattern of neglect since the departure of former Executive Director Dorothy Kisakka. He questioned the timing of current Executive Director Hajat Sharifah Buzeki's first visit to the site, which coincided with the fire outbreak.
Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago arrived at the scene with KCCA officials to coordinate firefighting efforts. The authorities believe methane gas combustion beneath the surface triggered the fire. Lukwago warned of potential "volcano-like explosions" without swift containment measures.
The crisis highlights long-standing safety concerns at the former dump site. Fire brigade experts recommended using murram dosing instead of water to fight the flames, but essential equipment remains unavailable. The teams opted for mechanical methods to prevent further escalation.
The landfill's troubled history includes an August 2024 collapse that claimed multiple lives. The facility, which served as Kampala's primary waste disposal site for decades, had exceeded its designed capacity years earlier. This overcrowding led to dangerous methane accumulation and poor waste management practices.
KCCA released a statement acknowledging cracks in the landfill caused waste slides, potentially exposing methane gas. The authority cited hot weather conditions as a contributing factor to the fire outbreak.
Muwada raised allegations about the misuse of allocated funds, stating that despite receiving 16 billion shillings for emergency management, minimal resources went toward site maintenance. He suggested the crisis might serve as a pretext for forced land acquisition.
Resident Suzan Namuyiga expressed frustration over delayed compensation and resettlement plans. She emphasized the community's six-month wait for meaningful dialogue with KCCA leadership. The residents maintain they require fair compensation before considering relocation.
The situation underscores broader challenges in urban waste management and environmental safety across rapidly growing African cities. The immediate focus remains on containing the fire and addressing the concerns of affected communities.
A massive fire erupted Saturday morning at the closed Kiteezi landfill in Kampala, Uganda, prompting urgent questions about government oversight and fund allocation. Thick smoke billowed from the site as emergency teams worked to contain the blaze.
Kyadondo East MP Nkunyingi Muwada criticized the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) leadership, pointing to a pattern of neglect since the departure of former Executive Director Dorothy Kisakka. He questioned the timing of current Executive Director Hajat Sharifah Buzeki's first visit to the site, which coincided with the fire outbreak.
Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago arrived at the scene with KCCA officials to coordinate firefighting efforts. The authorities believe methane gas combustion beneath the surface triggered the fire. Lukwago warned of potential "volcano-like explosions" without swift containment measures.
The crisis highlights long-standing safety concerns at the former dump site. Fire brigade experts recommended using murram dosing instead of water to fight the flames, but essential equipment remains unavailable. The teams opted for mechanical methods to prevent further escalation.
The landfill's troubled history includes an August 2024 collapse that claimed multiple lives. The facility, which served as Kampala's primary waste disposal site for decades, had exceeded its designed capacity years earlier. This overcrowding led to dangerous methane accumulation and poor waste management practices.
KCCA released a statement acknowledging cracks in the landfill caused waste slides, potentially exposing methane gas. The authority cited hot weather conditions as a contributing factor to the fire outbreak.
Muwada raised allegations about the misuse of allocated funds, stating that despite receiving 16 billion shillings for emergency management, minimal resources went toward site maintenance. He suggested the crisis might serve as a pretext for forced land acquisition.
Resident Suzan Namuyiga expressed frustration over delayed compensation and resettlement plans. She emphasized the community's six-month wait for meaningful dialogue with KCCA leadership. The residents maintain they require fair compensation before considering relocation.
The situation underscores broader challenges in urban waste management and environmental safety across rapidly growing African cities. The immediate focus remains on containing the fire and addressing the concerns of affected communities.
