KCCA races to clear remaining garbage heaps in Kampala suburbs as rains begin

What the report says

The Kampala Capital City Authority has stepped up garbage collection in several Kampala suburbs as the rainy season begins, according to The Independent Uganda’s report based on Uganda Radio Network material. The effort comes amid concern that uncollected waste could block drainage channels, worsen flooding and create health risks. Areas mentioned as still carrying visible heaps over the weekend included Kibuli, Munaku, Kawaala, Bwaise and Makindye.

The report says KCCA has made notable progress after the recent National Cleaning Day, with much of the waste already transported to the Buyala landfill. Even so, some garbage remained, especially in parts of Bwaise. Residents there said delayed collection was allowing waste to decompose and release foul-smelling liquid onto roads, raising fears that heavier rains could carry the debris into waterways.

A Bwaise resident, Tony Kibuuka, urged the authority to finish clearing the remaining piles before rains intensify. He said timely removal is important to reduce flooding risks, limit possible disease outbreaks and keep neighborhoods clean. KCCA has been deploying trucks to remove the remaining heaps and continues to tell residents not to dump waste in drainage channels.

The development matters because Kampala’s low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable to flooding when drains are clogged, making waste management a key public health and city planning issue as seasonal rains set in.