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The tragedy has triggered a major rescue operation involving various government agencies and local community members.
Lukwago criticised the government’s alleged negligence.
“President Museveni and his government are entirely responsible for these deaths due to their failure to invest in the development of Ddundu. There are 136 hectares of land lying idle there,” he stated.
He expressed frustration over the allocation of Shs 4 billion for maintaining Kiteezi, describing it as a disaster waiting to happen.
“We are spending 4 billion shillings on Kiteezi maintenance. This longstanding disaster was bound to escalate,” Lukwago said.
Lukwago also criticized the government’s handling of waste-to-energy policies, accusing Museveni of sabotaging the initiative.
“The waste-to-energy policy, which could generate 60 megawatts of electricity from garbage, has been undermined by Museveni’s ineffective policies,” he said.
Lukwago called on Parliament to treat the situation as a national disaster.
“Museveni and his government must take responsibility and address this as a national crisis. Parliament should urgently convene to discuss how to manage this disaster,” he demanded.
The Mayor emphasized the need for a comprehensive response, including addressing collateral damage and compensating affected families.
“Many have lost property and loved ones. The government must consider compensation and support for those affected,” Lukwago said.
He claimed that his administration had previously warned about the potential disaster and proposed solutions that were ignored.
“We warned about this disaster well in advance, yet our proactive measures were dismissed. This catastrophe was foreseeable,” he stated.
Lukwago criticized the financial oversight, noting that “Every financial year, 4 billion shillings were allocated with no significant results. The growing piles of garbage reflect the failure of these funds.”
He also criticised the government’s rejection of waste management proposals.
“Our waste-to-energy proposal, which could have produced 60 megawatts of electricity, was dismissed due to irrational policies,” he explained.
Calling for immediate government action, Lukwago said, “This disaster is now a national crisis. The government must convene emergency meetings to address the urgent need for compensation and support for affected families.”
The collapse occurred months after Lukwago had warned in January that those working and living near the landfill were at risk due to overflowing waste.
Officials confirmed in January 2024 that the waste overflow was due to a malfunctioning treatment plant.
During a site visit on January 9, Lukwago noted that the Directorate of Public Health at Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) had raised concerns about the landfill’s condition.
The directorate recommended relocating to a new site in Dundu-Mukono District or developing adjacent land in Kiteezi.
“In line with the Solid Waste Management Ordinance-2000, we are developing a policy to manage solid waste in Kampala amidst the current health hazards created by the poor management of Kiteezi landfill,” Lukwago said.
He added, “The landfill’s current state poses health risks, necessitating immediate action to protect public health, safety, and property, and ensure efficient waste collection and sanitation.”
The Kiteezi landfill, established in 1996, has become a site of “hills” of garbage over its 36 acres, leading the government to acquire 136 acres for a new landfill in Dundu, Mukono District.