Several Church leaders in Uganda have come forward to support the victims of the Kiteezi landfill tragedy.
The disaster, which occurred on 10 August 2024 in Kiteezi parish, Kasangati town, Wakiso district and claimed over 34 lives, has brought together numerous Church leaders and organizations in an effort to aid those affected.
During their visit to the affected families area on Monday, members of the Inter Religious Council of Uganda donated several essential stuff such as maize flour, beans, soap, and salt among others. The team was led by Archbishop Kazimba Mugalu, who also doubles as the Chairman of the council.
Kazimba urged that the prolonged stay of families in the camp poses significant challenges, which could include disease outbreaks.
“Government should be now putting up good plans to help these people, yes, the process is going on, but it should be quick. These people have been having homes, let them be resettled to a decent place for their lives, but also allowing those whose houses were not destroyed to go and pick in some of their properties,” Archbishop Kazimba said.
The Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Kampala Msgr. Charles Kasibante advised government to always be vigilant and alert on any possible disaster that may occur. He encouraged government to heed early warning signs of calamity that would otherwise leave life and property lost.
During his visit to Kiteezi, Apostle Grace Lubega of Phaneroo Ministries International commiserated with the affected families, offered prayers and delivered several essential items through their ‘hope campaign’.
He encouraged the residents to remain hopeful, and put their trust and confidence in Jesus Christ. Apostle Lubega prayed that Kiteezi will no longer be identified with tragedy, but that it will develop to become a prosperous area.
Apostle Henry Byamukama of Faith Life Church Ministries also visited the victims, and delivered among others blankets, beans, a bull, chicken, maize flour, sanitary pads and pampers.
Archbishop Paul Ssemogerere delivered 514 bags of maize flour among other items.
A report by Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) revealed that close to 300 people had been accommodated in temporary shelters as of 18th August, 2024. The government agency emphasized the urgent need for residents within the 200-meter buffer zone to evacuate immediately due to the ongoing risks.
The Kiteezi landfill has been the primary waste disposal site for Kampala since 1997 receiving 2,500 tonnes of waste daily. Its collapse, according to legislators, highlighted the need for a sustainable and safer waste management strategy in Uganda’s capital.
The Minister of State for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Hon. Lillian Aber while presenting a statement to the House chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa on Tuesday, 13 August 2024, said government is actively pursuing alternative sites for waste disposal.
“We have identified potential sites in Menvu, Nansana and Busumamura in Kira Municipality,” Hon. Aber said
These sites, she noted, are expected to replace Kiteezi and help mitigate the impending waste crisis in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA).
