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Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja announced that the government is close to securing a UGX 60 billion loan to address Kampala’s garbage management crisis, following a tragic landslide in Kiteezi. Ongoing efforts include finding temporary solutions and attracting investors for waste recycling.

The Government is in the final stages of securing a loan amounting to UGX 60 billion to address the garbage management challenges in Kampala, according to Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja.

Nabbanja made this announcement while discussing the Government’s response to the recent tragedy in Kiteezi, where a landslide caused by a mountain of garbage resulted in the loss of over 20 lives, destruction of property, and loss of livestock.

On Monday, August 12, 2024, Nabbanja appeared on Bukedde TV’s Akabbinkano program, where she provided an update on the Government’s interventions following the tragedy in Wakiso District.

Nabbanja, who was accompanied by the State Minister for Disaster Preparedness, explained that the loan was initially requested by the Kampala Capital City Authority in 2021. However, due to certain challenges, it was not granted at that time. She assured that these challenges have since been addressed, and the funds will soon be released to the Government.

In the interim, discussions are ongoing between the Government and local leaders from Mukono and Wakiso Districts to explore temporary solutions for managing the garbage problem.

Efforts to attract investors to recycle garbage at Kiteezi into gas, manure, and other forms of renewable energy have been hindered by numerous demands from potential investors. Nabbanja noted that these demands include the Government committing to purchase all the energy generated, as well as requests for tax holidays and waivers. Despite these obstacles, the search for viable investors continues.

Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that Kampala generates approximately 2,500 tonnes of garbage daily, necessitating immediate action to prevent further disasters.

Area Member of Parliament Muwada Nkunyinyi has called for a swift investigation to determine the cause of the accident that occurred on Saturday morning.

In support of the affected families, President Museveni has pledged UGX 5 million for burial arrangements and UGX 1 million to assist the injured with medical expenses. However, some victims have expressed concern that the UGX 1 million is insufficient to cover medical costs and enable them to resume their livelihoods, as their property was buried under the landslide.

Rescue operations continue today, though with limited hope of finding additional survivors, Nabbanja added.