**Tragedy at the Kiteezi Dump: Lives Changed Forever**

**The tragic collapse at the Kiteezi landfill in Uganda has not only claimed lives but also highlighted the systemic failures in waste management and the urgent need for reforms in the face of rising youth unemployment.**

In a heartbreaking recount, 22-year-old rubbish collector Okuku Prince reflects on the loss of his best friend, Sanya Kezia, who perished in a catastrophic landslide at the Kiteezi dump in Kampala. The tragedy, which occurred last August, resulted in 30 deaths, with fears that others may still be trapped under the debris. The landfill, notorious for its hazardous conditions, has put the lives of many Ugandans at risk, particularly those relying on it for their livelihoods.

“We’re not safe here,” laments Prince, who abandoned his law studies due to financial instability, now forced to navigate the treacherous waste daily. Rubbish collectors like him scavenge for discarded items, earning a meager income of approximately $2.70 per day in a city grappling with staggering youth unemployment rates. The emotional toll of losing a friend in such a tragic manner has compounded Prince’s struggle, as he has also had to relocate due to safety concerns following the collapse that destroyed many homes.

In the aftermath, indignation mounted as local authorities engaged in a blame-game over the collapse, with Kampala’s city council and central government pointing fingers at one another over negligence. While the deceased have received compensation, those who lost their homes remain overlooked, awaiting the bureaucratic resolution of claims. Dr. Sarah Karen Zalwango, heading the health and environment department at the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), acknowledged the delays, citing the necessity for budget allocation.

Community members and urban planners have labeled the catastrophe as an anticipated failure, criticizing the long-standing mismanagement of the Kiteezi site. The landfill, operational since 1996 and built with World Bank funding, was designed to handle the solid waste generated by Kampala’s growing population—but its capacity has long been exceeded. Currently, Kiteezi processes around 2,500 tonnes of rubbish daily, yet lacks efficient segregation and recycling systems that could prevent such dangerous conditions.

Experts assert that without addressing the fundamental flaws in waste management—including incorporating environmental considerations—similar disasters are likely to reoccur. Urban planner Frank Muramuzi explained that without proper maintenance and monitoring, the landfill’s structure becomes increasingly fragile due to the decay of organic waste.

Despite such warnings, financial mismanagement and political conflicts continue to delay necessary reforms. Mayor Erias Lukwago of the opposition party has lamented the lack of support from the central government to decommission Kiteezi, insisting that the $9.7 million required for the overhaul far exceeds city resources. The political climate has further complicated recovery efforts, as demonstrated by the swift firing of KCCA officials following public outcry over the incident, highlighting the political motivations behind accountability, rather than genuine reform.

As the city drafts plans for sustainable waste management—including converting organic waste into compost—the residents remain skeptical. Solid waste management officer James Bond Kunobere indicated the need for public participation in sorting waste; however, many individuals, like Prince, feel the urgency of their needs is largely ignored. "They promised us compensation, but almost everyone is complaining," he said, encapsulating the frustration of a community grappling with grief and uncertainty amidst ongoing systemic failures.

While initiatives may emerge from the tragedy, for the families impacted, and particularly for those who lost loved ones, the promise of change feels painfully distant. "All that transpired in the process was sorrow,” reflected Prince, a sentiment that resonates deeply in a community still reeling from its profound loss.