KCCA DECOMMISSIONS LONG-STANDING ILLEGAL DUMPSITE IN MAKINDYE

For years, residents of Kasanvu Zone in Bukasa Parish, Makindye Division lived alongside an illegal dumpsite that had gradually become a source of concern for the community. 

What started as a dumping point eventually grew into a public health and environmental hazard, affecting the quality of life of families living nearby.

On Saturday, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), together with community members, local leaders, waste management partners, and development stakeholders, officially decommissioned the illegal dumpsite, marking a significant milestone in efforts to create cleaner and healthier neighborhoods across Kampala.

The exercise was conducted under the ongoing Weyonje Campaign and brought together KCCA staff, C-Care Uganda, Uganda Railways Corporation (URC), waste collectors, local leaders, Uganda Police, and residents of Kasanvu.

Speaking during the exercise, KCCA Executive Director, Sharifah Buzeki emphasized that maintaining a clean city requires collective responsibility and sustainable waste management practices.

"Decommissioning this dumpsite is only the beginning," she said. "The long-term solution lies in changing how we manage waste at household and community level. Every resident has a role to play in keeping Kampala clean, safe, and healthy."

The Executive Director encouraged residents to embrace KCCA's "Bring to Truck" initiative, which enables households to deliver waste directly to designated collection trucks every Saturday morning.

She also urged communities to adopt waste sorting at source, noting that separating organic, recyclable, and non-recyclable waste reduces environmental pollution while creating economic opportunities through recycling and reuse.

"Waste should not be seen only as something to throw away. When properly sorted and managed, it can become a resource that supports livelihoods and contributes to a cleaner environment," she said.

The land on which the illegal dumpsite sits belongs to Uganda Railways Corporation. During the event, URC officials pledged to secure and rehabilitate the railway corridor to prevent future encroachment and illegal dumping.

Richard Nkuna, URC's Principal Safety, Health and Environment Officer, said the corporation would work closely with the community and authorities to ensure the area remains protected.

"We are rehabilitating the railway line and shall continue sensitizing residents while taking action against illegal dumping along the corridor," he said.

Residents welcomed the decommissioning, describing it as a major step toward improving public health and restoring dignity to the community. Local leaders noted that the dumpsite had existed for years and repeatedly exposed residents to unpleasant conditions.

As Kampala continues to grow, KCCA says sustainable waste management remains a shared responsibility that requires active participation from residents, businesses, institutions and partners.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali 
Communication and Media Relations Officer