Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has secured Shs25 billion in government funding to begin the first phase of an integrated waste management facility at Buyala during the current financial year. This development is part of KCCA's efforts to strengthen waste collection, introduce more organised waste sorting and recovery, and improve the long-term management of garbage generated across the capital. The project will include construction of a sorting bay, fencing of the approximately 230-acre site and procurement of 10 garbage trucks.
KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki announced the plans while appearing before Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises, chaired by Muwada Nkunyingi. Buzeki told the committee that the initial investment would support garbage collection services and establish the infrastructure needed for sorting and recovering materials from waste generated by households, businesses and institutions. A weighbridge had already been installed at the site, while the Authority was obtaining the full master plan from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
KCCA also plans to attract private investors to establish waste processing and recovery facilities at Buyala. Space has been earmarked for approximately six companies to design, finance, construct and operate their facilities before handing them over. The Authority also intends to establish its own waste recovery facility. This proposed system is expected to improve waste sorting, promote recycling and create opportunities to recover useful materials, supporting more sustainable waste management practices in Kampala.
During the parliamentary session, Zombo District Woman Representative Topista Acamfua commended KCCA’s community sensitisation campaigns but urged the Authority to install more public dustbins to make proper waste disposal easier for residents. Buzeki responded that KCCA would provide additional dustbins. This move aims to enhance waste management and encourage residents to dispose of waste responsibly.
Buzaaya County MP Mugabi Muzaale Martin Kisule welcomed the proposed recycling initiative and asked whether the Authority pays private garbage collectors. Buzeki said KCCA does not pay private collectors, explaining that waste management operates under the polluter-pays principle provided for in Uganda’s National Environment Act. The principle places the cost of managing waste on those who generate it.
Buzeki also updated the committee on the rehabilitation of the former Kiteezi landfill, reporting that at least 16 acres had been rehabilitated and 95 of the 96 affected people had been compensated. She added that KCCA had established facilities to treat leachate naturally over 21 days before its release as part of measures to manage environmental risks at the site. This rehabilitation effort aims to mitigate the environmental impact of the landfill.
The Buyala project forms part of KCCA’s efforts to address Kampala's waste management challenges. With the new facility, KCCA aims to improve waste collection, sorting, and recycling, ultimately promoting a cleaner and healthier environment for the city's residents. The project is expected to create opportunities for private investment and job creation in the waste management sector.
Key points
- KCCA secures Shs25 billion for first phase of Buyala waste management facility
- Project includes construction of sorting bay, fencing of 230-acre site, and procurement of 10 garbage trucks
- KCCA plans to attract private investors to establish waste processing and recovery facilities at Buyala
