Balimwezo orders clearance of garbage heaps in Makindye-Salaama

What the report says

Kampala Lord Mayor Ronald Nsubuga Balimwezo has intervened over garbage piled up in Makindye-Salaama, as well as nearby Boston, Lukuli and Luwafu, after residents complained about foul smells and possible health risks. According to Nile Post, the waste remained in the neighbourhoods after a citywide clean-up exercise held last Saturday, prompting the mayor to visit the affected areas and order that it be cleared.

During the inspection, Balimwezo raised concerns about whether some companies contracted to collect garbage in Kampala have the equipment and capacity needed to do the job properly. He directed Homekline to help remove the waste, and the company later deployed more than 40 trucks to collect the accumulated garbage. The mayor also reviewed Homekline’s biogas project that turns decomposable waste into fuel, which he praised as a useful waste-management initiative.

Homekline officials said their work depends on permits issued by Kampala Capital City Authority, while the city’s Director of Public Health, Dr Sarah Zalwango, encouraged higher standards and professionalism in the sector. Area councillor Shaban Kwezi said residents had been worried the garbage could lead to disease and welcomed the response.

The episode highlights continuing challenges around garbage collection and disposal in Kampala’s densely populated communities, where residents often complain about delayed pickup and the public health effects of unmanaged waste.