From Disaster to Recovery: Restoring Safety at Kiteezi Landfill

Officials from the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRCO), Government of Uganda, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and UN-Habitat visited Kiteezi landfill on 5 March 2026 to assess progress on ongoing rehabilitation works following the tragic landslide in August 2024 resulting from a garbage sludge that led to the collapse of the landfill claiming 35 lives and destroyed millions worth of property.

The disaster, caused by unstable slopes where waste had accumulated to heights of 36 metres across a 35-acre site leading to a massive landslide, triggered urgent efforts to improve safety, environmental management and long-term waste practices in Kampala.

The visit highlighted significant progress in stabilizing the landfill through the government of Japan funded emergency technical support to rehabilitate the dumpsite. The project has made progress in the stabilization of waste slopes, leachate treatment and safe release of methane gas. 

Hon. Kabuye Kyofatogabye, Minister of State for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, reported that about 84 per cent of the rehabilitation work has been completed, with key infrastructure nearing completion. 

“I am happy with the progress I have seen today. I am confident that the remaining part of the work which includes the installation of additional pipes to extract wastewater will be finalized by the end of March 2026,” said Hon. Kyofatogabye.

The United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mr. Leonard Zulu, highlighted the importance of international collaboration in strengthening environmental protection and improvement of waste management systems in Kampala. He noted that there are 29 UN agencies operating in Uganda, creating opportunities for broader cooperation and joint programmes to support sustainable urban development.

“Emergency interventions are often catalytic in nature. This project demonstrates that waste can be managed effectively and at relatively low cost through locally driven solutions. It offers a practical model that can be replicated at dumpsites throughout the country, contributing to safer waste management practices and helping to prevent similar disasters in the future.” said Mr. Zulu.

Nature-Based Solutions to Manage Waste and Emissions

Engineers and environmental experts are implementing nature-based solutions “Fukuoka Method”– semi aerobic land fill technology from Japan for low-cost waste management to address key environmental risks at the site. 

A network of more than 1,200 vertical pipes, made using recycled plastic bottles, is being installed across the landfill to extract methane and allow oxygen to circulate through the waste layers, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing the risk of fires, which were reported at the site in February 2025 due to methane buildup.

“This initiative will help reduce plastic waste while supporting recycling efforts,” said Mr. Ishaku Maitumbi, Head of Sub-regional Programme UN-Habitat. He explained that 35 plastic bottles equal approximately one kilogramme, and each two-metre pipe requires about 315 kilogrammes of plastic bottles to manufacture. 

At the same time, a “fishbone-style” drainage system of pipes is being constructed to capture leachate and channel it into a treatment pond before the water is released safely into Lake Victoria. As the liquid moves through the system, it is naturally filtered and oxygenated, reducing pollutants without the use of chemicals.

Preventing Environmental Risks

The landfill also contains a stream running through the site, which authorities are working to protect to prevent flooding upstream and contamination of nearby water systems. Monitoring of the stream will remain ongoing as rehabilitation work continues. Environmental assessments indicate that much of the waste at the landfill is organic material, which can be treated more effectively through oxygenation and controlled drainage. Plastic waste makes up about 10% of the rubbish at the site.

Supporting Livelihoods and Community Resilience

Beyond environmental developments, the project is also creating livelihood opportunities for nearby communities, particularly through recycling initiatives and the collection of plastic bottles used to produce methane pipes.

Local leaders welcomed the progress. Mr. Samuel Kibuuka, LC1 Chaiman Kiteezi Village in Kasangati Town Council, Wakiso District, said that residents can see the good work being done and are happy. He expressed appreciation to the United Nations, the Governments of Japan and Uganda for their support.

 “My hope is that the project will not only prevent further disasters but also help protect homes, improve waste management and create jobs for young people in the area,” said Mr. Kibuuka.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, the Minister stated that the goal is to complete the rehabilitation process within the next five years. Once the landfill has been fully stabilized and rehabilitated, the site could potentially be repurposed for sports, recreation or other community activities.