The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has expressed deep concern and sorrow over the devastating incident that occurred on Saturday, August 10, 2024, in Kiteezi, where a garbage mound collapsed, leading to the tragic loss of over 20 lives.
The disaster not only claimed human lives but also resulted in the destruction of homes, livestock, and property. In a statement released on Monday ULS President Bernard Oundo extended the Society’s “deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims during this difficult time,” and emphasized that “our thoughts and prayers are with the injured.”
This tragic event brings to light serious issues regarding fundamental human rights enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda. “The rights to life, a clean and healthy environment, and property are guaranteed fundamental rights of all persons under Articles 22, 39, and 26(1) of the Constitution,” stated Oundo.
He further highlighted that “Objective XIV (b) of the Constitution of Uganda recognizes and requires the government to ensure that all Ugandans enjoy the right to decent shelter.” Unfortunately, the Kiteezi landfill tragedy represents a grave violation of these rights, causing “mental, physical, and related harm to the victims.”
Kiteezi landfill, located 13 kilometers from Kampala’s city center, has long been the primary waste disposal site for the city, receiving up to 2,500 tonnes of rubbish daily. However, reports indicate that the landfill had reached its capacity years ago, and yet continued to operate without the necessary upgrades or expansion.
The ULS pointed out that “the recent tragedy highlights a grave failure in urban planning and governance.” Despite research findings as early as 2019, warning of the landfill’s overcapacity and inefficiencies, no substantial action was taken. According to Oundo, the research titled “Status of Waste Management in the East African Cities: Understanding the Drivers of Waste Generation, Collection, and Disposal and Their Impacts on Kampala City’s Sustainability,” had reported that “the Kiteezi landfill had exceeded its design capacity and the current operations were not optimized to facilitate materials and resources recovery, adequate leachate treatment, and pollution control.”
In 2015, the government acquired 136 acres in Dundu, Mukono, for the relocation of the landfill, but this project has faced significant delays. The ULS stressed that “the government has a responsibility to protect its citizens, and this includes ensuring that they have access to safe living conditions.”
In light of the Kiteezi tragedy, the ULS has made several critical recommendations:
Immediate Relocation and Compensation: The ULS echoes the directive by His Excellency, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, calling for the immediate relocation of the landfill and compensation for the victims.
Investigation: A thorough investigation is needed to establish the circumstances that led to the neglect of the landfill’s capacity issues, which resulted in the tragic loss of life and property.
Urgent Relocation of the Landfill:Comprehensive studies and financing should be made available to urgently relocate the landfill to the Dundu waste management site to prevent any further tragedies.
Expedited Implementation of Waste Management Projects: The ULS urges the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to expedite the implementation of the Kampala Waste Treatment and Disposal Public-Private Partnership Project.
As the nation mourns the victims of the Kiteezi tragedy, the ULS calls for swift action to prevent future calamities and to uphold the fundamental rights of all Ugandans.
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