KCCA ED LEADS NAKAWA IN CLEAN-UP, RALLIES HOUSEHOLDS TO EMBRACE WASTE SORTING

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has reaffirmed its leadership in driving a cleaner, healthier Kampala, with Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki on Saturday personally leading a community clean-up exercise in Nakawa Division.

The exercise, part of KCCA’s weekly citywide clean-up campaign, mobilised hundreds of residents in Mutungo Zone V and VI to sweep streets, clear garbage heaps, and unblock drainage channels.

The initiative was spearheaded by KCCA and powered by community youth groups, targeting more than 16,000 households in Nakawa.

Hajjat Buzeki commended the residents for their commitment to keeping their neighbourhood clean, stressing that waste sorting is now a central pillar of the city’s waste management strategy.

“This is no longer business as usual. The work is huge, but together we can make Kampala shine. KCCA will support the cleaning Saccos with funds to acquire their own protective gear so that these efforts can be sustained,” she said.

The Deputy Executive Director Benon Kigenyi underscored the importance of separating waste at the household level to reduce landfill pressure and improve recycling efficiency.

“Sorting waste at the source allows us to turn organic matter into compost and direct plastics, metals, and glass into recycling plants. This not only cuts costs and eases collection but also prevents flooding caused by blocked drains,” Kigenyi explained.

Nakawa Mayor Paul Mugambe called on residents to take responsibility for their waste, noting that cleanliness is a shared duty.

“Garbage does not clean itself. We must all act and stop dumping in waterways,” Mugambe said.

The ED was accompanied by the Director Public Health and Environment Dr Sarah Zalwango, the Deputy Director ICT Monica Nyakaisiki and the Nakawa Division Town Clerk Moses Ssempa.

Local leader Kassim Muwonge, LCI Chairperson for Mutungo Zone V, praised the strong partnership between KCCA and the community, noting improved discipline in waste disposal.

KCCA statistics show that Kampala produces an estimated 2,500 tonnes of waste daily, with less than 60 percent collected. The rest often ends up clogging drainage systems, polluting wetlands, and posing public health risks.

By improving sorting and recycling rates, the city aims to ease the burden on the Buyala solid waste management facility.

The Nakawa clean-up is part of KCCA’s ongoing efforts to instil a culture of cleanliness, proper waste management, and community responsibility across all five city divisions.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer