Summary:
- Kisaka stressed that their current focus, as directed by the President, is on the safety of the victims.
KAMPALA: As of Monday, August 12, 2024, rescue operations continue at the Kiteezi garbage dump landslide site. According to reliable sources, the Prime Minister is expected to chair a meeting at the site. Official figures from the Uganda Police indicate that 21 bodies have been recovered so far, and the search and rescue mission remains ongoing, with efforts focused on locating any remaining victims.
The operation involves multiple agencies, including the Uganda Red Cross, the UPDF, and local authorities, all working tirelessly to ensure that all affected persons are accounted for.
Speaking to our reporter on Monday afternoon, Kampala Executive Director Ms. Dorothy Kisaka revealed that the authority, in collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and the Uganda Red Cross Society, has established an Emergency Response Center at Kiteezi Church of Uganda Primary School.
She explained that these temporary shelters are fully equipped to accommodate those displaced by the tragedy, with many families already taking up residence there.
“Emergency shelter tents have been set up to accommodate the affected families,” she noted, adding that water, lighting, and sanitary facilities are in place. She also highlighted that the OPM has already delivered food supplies to sustain those impacted.
Kisaka pointed out that an ongoing assessment is being conducted in partnership with local leadership to gather accurate data on the affected individuals, which will guide further interventions. Regarding security, the Executive Director stated that security forces, including the UPDF and Uganda Police Force, are ensuring the safety of the area and assisting in the recovery operations.
When asked about the current arrangements for garbage disposal in Kampala, Kisaka assured residents that the authority has secured temporary access to the Nkumba dumpsite through a collaborative effort with the Entebbe Municipality leadership.
She noted that Kampala generates at least 2,500 tons of garbage daily, with only 50% typically disposed of at the Kiteezi landfill.
The Nkumba dumpsite, located along Mpala, Kisubi on Entebbe Road, will temporarily accommodate waste collected from Kampala. To support this transition, KCCA will provide the necessary equipment and manpower to ensure efficient operations at Nkumba until a more permanent waste disposal solution is established.
Commenting on the actions of the Inspector General of Government (IGG) in response to President Museveni’s directive, Kisaka emphasized that KCCA is a law-abiding institution with a policy of value for money and zero tolerance for corruption.
“We will work with the Office of the Inspector General of Government (IGG) on the investigation of KCCA officials. The authority is dedicated to transparency and accountability in its operations,” she said.
However, Kisaka stressed that their current focus, as directed by the President, is on the safety of the victims. The Prime Minister is coordinating efforts to ensure the removal of all households located in the danger zone, and KCCA is actively supporting these efforts, which include securing the area and facilitating the ongoing recovery mission.
