The recent collapse of the Kiteezi landfill site in Uganda has sent shock and sadness across the country. Authorities have confirmed the deaths of at least 21 people, and the number is likely to rise as the search continues. The victims include children, further highlighting the tragedy of the disaster.
The tragedy has highlighted the risks associated with using landfill sites for waste management in urban areas. The Kiteezi site, located on a steep slope, had become a gathering place for people looking to scavenge recyclable materials to earn a living. The proximity of homes to the site highlights a wider problem of housing and poor living conditions for many Kampala citizens.
The question is: why has the Kiteezi site not been closed despite repeated calls from authorities to relocate it to a safer area outside the city? This negligence has cost many lives and left families in mourning, leaving a sense of injustice and anger among the population.
Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has ordered an investigation to understand the reasons behind this tragedy. He has rightly highlighted the responsibility of local authorities in managing these hazardous sites and called for immediate action to prevent such a disaster from happening again.
It is time for the authorities to take concrete steps to ensure the safety of citizens and improve waste management across the country. It is imperative to invest in modern and sustainable waste management infrastructure to avoid such tragedies in the future.
In this time of mourning and reflection, it is crucial that the lessons of this tragedy are not forgotten. It is time for Uganda to take responsibility for waste management and environmental protection to ensure a better and safer future for all its citizens.