In August of the last year, the Kiteezi trash dump in Kampala, Uganda, became the site of a deadly collapse that claimed 30 lives, including that of 21-year-old Sanya Kezia. Okuku Prince, a friend of Sanya, recounts the harrowing experience of discovering Sanya's body under the debris, amidst a swirl of rotting garbage and pain. Rubbish collectors, including Prince, often risk their health and safety scouring the massive dump for valuables to sell.
Tragedy at Kiteezi: The Human Cost of Neglected Waste Management in Kampala
Tragedy at Kiteezi: The Human Cost of Neglected Waste Management in Kampala
A devastating incident exposes the dangers of Uganda's waste crisis as a young rubbish collector mourns his best friend lost to a landslide.
The local government and authorities have engaged in a blame-game regarding the negligence that led to the tragedy, while many victims still await viable support and compensation for their losses. With youth unemployment soaring, young Ugandans like Prince are forced to navigate this hazardous environment for survival, often with little reward, earning only 10,000 shillings, or about $2.70 per day.
The Kiteezi dump, established nearly three decades ago, was intended as a single site to manage the city’s waste. However, it has become dangerously overcrowded with no sufficient management, leading experts to call for an urgent re-evaluation of waste disposal strategies. Claims of financial mismanagement and power struggles at local governance levels have hindered necessary improvements, leaving many residents vulnerable.
The aftermath of this tragic event has prompted calls for reform, yet the execution remains slow. While authorities begin visions for better management, such as converting organic waste into compost, affected individuals like Prince lament the lack of support and financial redress in a system that continues to prioritize bureaucratic politics over human life.
Prince’s story and the collective trauma from the Kiteezi collapse serve as a dire reminder that urgent action is required to address waste management and safeguard the lives of those who navigate this perilous landscape daily.
The Kiteezi dump, established nearly three decades ago, was intended as a single site to manage the city’s waste. However, it has become dangerously overcrowded with no sufficient management, leading experts to call for an urgent re-evaluation of waste disposal strategies. Claims of financial mismanagement and power struggles at local governance levels have hindered necessary improvements, leaving many residents vulnerable.
The aftermath of this tragic event has prompted calls for reform, yet the execution remains slow. While authorities begin visions for better management, such as converting organic waste into compost, affected individuals like Prince lament the lack of support and financial redress in a system that continues to prioritize bureaucratic politics over human life.
Prince’s story and the collective trauma from the Kiteezi collapse serve as a dire reminder that urgent action is required to address waste management and safeguard the lives of those who navigate this perilous landscape daily.
