Kiteezi Victims to Wait a While Longer as Govt Finalizes Compensation

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director, Hajjati Sharifah Buzeki, has revealed that the government is still processing the compensation of victims of the Kiteezi tragedy.

On August 11th last year, a heap of garbage at Kiteezi Landfill in Wakiso District collapsed in the morning, killing 35 people. Several houses were buried by the garbage, while others were intentionally demolished to facilitate rescue operations with heavy excavators.

Buzeki stated that following the tragedy, KCCA identified four categories of victims, including those who died, lost property, and others who were affected during the rescue efforts.  She said the government valuer is currently handling the compensation process. 

Buzeki indicated that she recently held a meeting with the Head of Public Service, Lucy Nakyobe, and they discussed the matter further to make sure that all the victims identified are compensated. 

Buzeki was speaking after clocking 90 days in office.  The Kiteezi incident led to the sacking of Dorothy Kisaka and subsequent prosecution on charges related to manslaughter and negligence.  Two other directors, including Deputy Director Engineer David Luyimbazi, as well as the Director of Public Health, Daniel Okello, were also sacked by the President. 

Buzeki also highlighted KCCA’s efforts to improve garbage management in the city. She noted that most of the garbage in Kampala is biodegradable and can be put to good use through urban farming and value addition.

As part of its waste management strategy,  Buzeki said KCCA has launched the Weyonje Campaign, which aims to educate the public on separating biodegradable waste from non-biodegradable plastics. Buzeki advised against using polythene bags for small purchases to reduce littering.

The authority has also taken steps to address flooding in the city. Despite heavy rains, KCCA successfully cleaned the drainage channels, allowing water to flow freely within three hours after heavy rains. She noted that they removed 40 trucks of garbage after cleaning the drainage channels following the heavy rains that occurred two weeks ago and left seven people dead. The number 

She noted that to mitigate flooding, they are constructing box culverts to replace circular ones.

On infrastructure Development, Buzeki mentioned ongoing roadworks on Sir Apollo Kagwa and Portbell roads, saying they are expected to be completed within 36 months. KCCA is also installing traffic signals at major junctions to ease congestion and traffic jams.

The Executive Director further discussed market management, noting KCCA’s authority since 2003 and ongoing efforts to align markets with the leadership.

She noted that Registration of traders and vendors is underway, with a focus on formalizing businesses.

Additionally, Buzeki highlighted KCCA’s efforts to address noise pollution in the city through a four-month pilot program with noise monitoring machines installed in Kyanja, Kasangati and Kololo bars.  She said the machines give them notifications when the noise expected from places of worship and bars exceeds the required decibels.