The National Unity Platform (NUP) President, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, has criticized the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and the Museveni government for the recent garbage disaster in Kiteezi, attributing the tragedy to their negligence.
Kyagulanyi asserted that the disaster, which claimed the lives of several Ugandans, could have been avoided if proper early warning mechanisms had been in place. He emphasized that this was not an unavoidable environmental catastrophe, but a preventable consequence of government inaction.
“This was not a natural disaster like the landslides we’ve witnessed in Kasese or Bududa. The danger posed by the Kiteezi landfill was well-known to KCCA and Parliament. In fact, the area’s Woman MP, Naluyima Ethel, raised concerns about Kiteezi on the floor of Parliament, but these concerns were ignored,” Kyagulanyi stated.
He further pointed out that the government’s acquisition of land in Dundu and Kasenge, Mukono, was clear evidence that the Kiteezi landfill was intended to be shut down. However, the government’s failure to act allowed the hazardous site to continue operations, leading to the tragic incident.
On Monday, Kyagulanyi, accompanied by other NUP leaders, visited the victims of the disaster, which occurred on August 10, 2024. Some of the victims are currently being sheltered at Kiteezi Church of Uganda Primary School.
Joel Ssenyonyi, the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, called for the arrest and prosecution of officials whose negligence led to the Kiteezi disaster.
“We demand justice for these victims. Since the tragedy occurred, no one has been arrested, even though it is clear this was not an unforeseen disaster. The government was aware of the risks. We demand that those responsible be held accountable, and the victims be compensated,” Ssenyonyi declared.
He also criticized the government’s failure to prioritize the safety and welfare of its citizens, leading to unnecessary loss of life and suffering among Ugandans.
“These victims are seeking justice in two ways: holding accountable all officials who failed in their duties and ensuring compensation so they can rebuild their lives instead of remaining in a camp,” Ssenyonyi added.
The NUP provided relief items to the victims during their visit.
Recently, Eng. David Luyimbazi, the Deputy Executive Director of KCCA, admitted to the Uganda Radio Network (URN) that while KCCA was aware that the Kiteezi landfill had reached its maximum capacity, they were unable to relocate it due to insufficient funding.
Meanwhile, Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango has stated that rescue operations are ongoing to recover additional bodies trapped beneath the garbage. Due to the condition of the retrieved bodies, DNA testing will be necessary for identification where visual recognition is not possible.
