Residents of Mukono municipality have expressed concerns over the deteriorating living conditions due to unchecked illegal waste dumping in the area.
Residents of Bajjo village in Ntawo ward said that this situation has escalated as the municipality grapples with a significant garbage crisis that poses a serious threat to their health and the environment.
The residents’ worry that this situation might escalate stems from the Kiteezi tragedy, where over 22 lives were lost as a result of a catastrophic collapse of the landfill on August 10, 2024.
Dr. Andrew Muganga, the proprietor of the nearby Mega Spot Recreation Center, while speaking to the media on September 24, 2024, said that the consequences of this mismanagement with fumes from burning garbage and toxic medical waste have caused serious concerns and health risks.
“The illegal dumping in the nearby wetland, which has persisted for over a year, causing foul odors and attracting flies and scavenging birds, is exacerbated by the Kampala Capital City Authority’s (KCCA) inability to manage waste effectively,” he said.
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According to Joyce Nakyejwe, a chef at Mega Spot, businesses have suffered the stench, which often forces customers to leave.
“Business is negatively affected by the foul smell and the flies, which have driven away the customers. They no longer want to come to eat and drink from here,” Nankyejwe said.
The community leaders and people have called on the local governments to take quick action, requesting better garbage management and government assistance.
The Mukono scenario underscores the critical need for local governments and the central government to coordinate their efforts, prioritize trash management, and enable inhabitants to live in safe and healthy environments.
