Balimwezo Moves to End Garbage Crisis in Makindye-Salaama as Residents Fear Disease Outbreak

Kampala Lord Mayor Ronald Nsubuga Balimwezo has directed the urgent removal of garbage that had piled up in several communities in Makindye-Salaama, following complaints from residents over the poor state of waste collection.

Balimwezo made the intervention after visiting areas including Boston, Lukuli and Luwafu, where large amounts of uncollected rubbish were seen along roads and in residential neighbourhoods. Residents said the waste had remained there since a citywide clean-up exercise held last Saturday.According to residents, the accumulated garbage had produced a strong and unpleasant smell, while the continued presence of waste was raising concerns about sanitation and the possible spread of diseases in the affected communities.The Lord Mayor also raised concerns about the ability of some garbage collection companies operating in Kampala to handle the work assigned to them.

He questioned why companies without sufficient capacity were being allowed to obtain permits to collect waste in the city.“I am concerned that some companies are being given permits to collect garbage when they do not have the capacity to handle the work,” Balimwezo said, calling for greater accountability in the city’s waste management system.Following the inspection, Balimwezo asked Homekline to take action, prompting the company to deploy more than 40 garbage trucks to clear the waste that had accumulated in the affected areas.

The move provided an immediate response to residents’ complaints.Homekline Director Isaac Katureebe explained that the company’s operations are guided by permits issued by Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). The company also showcased its plans to generate biogas from decomposable waste, an initiative Balimwezo welcomed as an innovative approach to managing the city’s growing waste problem.

Kampala Director of Public Health Dr Sarah Zalwango commended Homekline’s work and urged waste collectors to operate professionally and only take on assignments they have the capacity to handle. Balimwezo pledged continued engagement with the company and questioned why a firm capable of handling large volumes of waste had not received the necessary permit, while assuring it of support to transport and dispose of garbage at Buyala along Mityana Road under the applicable waste-management arrangements.