KCCA ENGAGES RUBAGA RESIDENTS ON WASTE MANAGEMENT AND AIR QUALITY

The conversation around waste in the city is shifting from disposal to responsibility, as Kampala Capital City Authority deepens community engagement under its Weyonje sanitation campaign. 

On Saturday, KCCA took the campaign to Lubya and Namungoona, areas in Rubaga Division.

At the heart of the latest exercise was a strong sensitisation drive on the dangers of open waste burning, with city officials urging residents to abandon the practice in favour of safer and more sustainable waste management methods. 

Open burning, they explained, releases harmful pollutants that affect air quality, trigger respiratory illnesses, and pose long-term health risks, particularly for children and vulnerable groups.

The cleanup, led by Deputy Executive Director Benon Kigenyi, combined practical sanitation work with direct community interaction, turning the exercise into both an action and learning platform.

Teams carried out drainage desilting to ease water flow and reduce flooding, alongside toilet emptying, road sweeping, and garbage collection.

Kigenyi said the focus is on building awareness and shared responsibility, noting that sustainable sanitation can only be achieved when communities are actively involved.

“This is about working with the people, not just for the people. When communities understand the impact of their actions, they become part of the solution,” he said.

Residents were encouraged to adopt waste segregation at household level, separating biodegradable from non-biodegradable waste, to improve collection and support environmentally sound disposal. 

The KCCA Director for Public Health and Environment Dr. Sarah Zalwango emphasized that proper waste management plays a critical role in preventing disease, keeping drainage systems functional, and maintaining a clean urban environment. 

Poor practices such as illegal dumping and burning not only degrade the environment but also undermine public health efforts.

Through the Weyonje initiative, KCCA continues to position itself not just as an enforcer of city regulations, but as a leader in community-driven urban sanitation where awareness, participation, and everyday actions collectively shape a cleaner Kampala. 

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali 

Communication and Media Relations Officer