Confusion over Kiteezi landfill Collapse: 34 Dead, 11 still missing

The aftermath of the Kiteezi landfill collapse, which has claimed 34 lives, has ignited widespread outrage and confusion over the number of missing persons, prompting Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities, and State Enterprises (COSASE) to demand clarity.

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Minister Minsa Kabanda recently reported that 11 people remain unaccounted for, contradicting earlier reports that suggested 28 were missing.

During her appearance before COSASE, Minister Kabanda clarified that initial figures were speculative and emphasized that the official number of missing persons, as confirmed by the Office of the Prime Minister, is 11.

“We rescued 18 people alive, recovered 35 bodies, and are missing 11. These are the confirmed numbers,” Kabanda stated. However, the inconsistencies in official reports have led to further confusion, with MPs expressing concern over the discrepancies.

COSASE Chairperson Medard Sseggona questioned the conflicting figures, pointing out that a local official reported 28 missing individuals during a visit to Kiteezi.

“Now you tell us it’s 11. Have additional bodies been recovered that we don’t know about?” Sseggona asked.

Other MPs, including Charles Bakabulindi and Allan Mayanja, demanded evidence to back up the numbers provided by KCCA and called for accurate figures to ensure fair compensation for victims’ families.

“We need to know the actual number of people affected. This will guide us in compensating the rightful individuals,” Bakabulindi stressed.

KCCA’s Executive Director, Dorothy Kisaka, defended the figures, stating that they were based on reports from the Prime Minister’s office. She acknowledged the speculation surrounding the numbers but emphasized that official reporting was centralized for accuracy.

Kisaka also mentioned that the landfill’s capacity had been expanded to handle more waste, though funding remains a challenge.

The discussion also highlighted the worsening condition of the Kiteezi landfill. A December 2023 Auditor General’s report revealed that the landfill was overfilled, posing serious health risks to nearby communities.

“The facility is a health and environmental hazard, and urgent measures are needed,” the report warned.

Minister Kabanda refuted claims that local residents had encroached on the landfill, explaining that garbage had overwhelmed adjacent properties, with many residents holding legitimate land titles.

As the COSASE investigation continues, MPs are pushing for accountability and a resolution to the waste management crisis, which has left the families of victims still waiting for compensation. The Leader of Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, has threatened legal action against the government if no steps are taken, accusing KCCA and the authorities of negligence.

The tragedy underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive waste management plan. “In 2024, people are dying under garbage heaps while other countries turn waste into energy. KCCA must present a concrete plan to prevent future disasters,” Ssenyonyi urged.

The collapse of the Kiteezi landfill has not only called into question KCCA’s management but has also shed light on the larger issue of waste disposal in Kampala, as Parliament seeks to hold those responsible accountable.