The Government of Uganda has resolved to commence immediate garbage management operations at Menvu, addressing the escalating waste challenges in Kampala’s metropolitan areas.
The decision follows a meeting chaired by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Affairs, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, held at the Office of the Prime Minister in Kampala.
The meeting was attended by several ministers, mayors, Chief Administrative Officers, Town Clerks, and development partners, who collectively agreed to start waste management efforts at Menvu immediately.
This move comes after the cessation of garbage dumping in Entebbe, which had become a significant issue, even impacting operations at Entebbe International Airport.
Entebbe Municipality Mayor Rulinda Fabric Brad noted that while they initially offered a temporary solution, the area had turned into an unsanctioned dumping site, tarnishing the country’s image.
Julius Mutebi Nsubuga, Mayor of Kira Municipality, expressed that local leaders had been awaiting the government’s stance on national garbage management. Meanwhile, Ssebuwufu John Mary, Executive Secretary for Planning and Civil Works at the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), highlighted the chronic underfunding from the central government, despite Kampala being the nation’s capital and its face to the world.
In response, Minister of Works and Transport Gen. Katumba Wamala, along with Minister for Local Government Raphael Magyezi, committed to quickly addressing the garbage crisis.
Following extensive discussions, the First Deputy Prime Minister has assured the public that the government is taking control of the situation, with immediate waste management to take place at Menvu. In the meantime, plans are being finalized for managing the Kiteezi area, where affected families will be relocated.
The government is also in the process of developing a national garbage management plan, which will be implemented in other cities and towns to prevent future waste management crises like the one experienced at Kiteezi