President Yoweri Museveni has directed the Office of the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) to investigate the tragic collapse of a rubbish heap in Kiteezi, which occurred on Saturday and resulted in the deaths of several locals.
Sevo has tasked Deputy IGG Anne Muhairwe with conducting a thorough investigation into the incident and providing a detailed report.
In addition, he has instructed the Prime Minister to oversee the evacuation of households living in the danger zone and to coordinate efforts to recover individuals who may still be buried under the debris.
President Museveni questioned why people were allowed to settle near such a hazardous site. He emphasized that even without the collapse, the effluent from the rubbish heap poses significant health risks.
“No settlement would be allowed below the Rubuungo (the rubbish mound) on account of the effluent (ejyurigyiriro). Even without kubeguka (breaking off) of part of the mound to bury People, the effluent alone would be unpleasant and hazardous. How much more dangerous is the Kiteezi mound that is full of plastic,” He said
The President noted that while indigenous heaps comprised mainly organic material, they still presented dangers. The Kiteezi mound, containing plastics and other non-organic waste, is even more hazardous.
“Discussions with Dorothy Kisakka revealed that there had been attempts to relocate the dump site to Dundu. However, residents there opposed the move. Instead, efforts have focused on utilizing the waste positively for generating electricity, making manure, and recycling plastics.
“When I talked to Dorothy Kisakka, (KCCA ED), she told me the story of how they wanted to move to Dundu but the Dundu People did not want to neighbour with the rubbish and instead, they have been working on positively using the rubbish, which is actually good, to generate electricity, make manure, recycle the plastics, etc. That, however, does not answer the question of why human settlement was allowed near the heap.” he added
President Museveni reiterated the importance of understanding the risks of settling in hazardous areas, such as wetlands, lake shores, riverbanks, and forests, which are prone to landslides, floods, and diseases like monkeypox and Ebola. He warned that both technical and political figures encouraging such settlements are acting against public interest.
The further stated that the UPDF and Special Forces have been deployed to assist in rescue operations.
The president has also ordered the State House Comptroller to provide financial assistance to affected families, with Sh. 5 million allocated per deceased person and Sh. 1 million for each injured individual. He clarified that this aid is separate from any legal compensation that may arise if a government agency is found liable.
President Museveni expressed his condolences, saying, “May Almighty God rest the souls of our departed people in eternal peace and heal the injured.”
