Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), working together with UN-Habitat, has kicked off the long-awaited rehabilitation of the Kiteezi landfill, launching a shs 4 billion ($1 million) Japan-funded project aimed at restoring safety and improving waste management at the site.
The launch comes more than a year after parts of the landfill collapsed in August 2024, creating serious health and environmental risks for surrounding communities. The two institutions secured funding after jointly submitting a proposal to the Government of Japan following the incident.
The project, officially titled Emergency Technical Assistance to Rehabilitate Kiteezi Landfill, will see engineers decommission about 7 acres—approximately 250,000 cubic metres of accumulated waste—using the Fukuoka method, a Japanese system designed to stabilise old landfills and reduce methane emissions.
Japan’s ambassador to Uganda, Takuya Sasayama, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting Kampala’s waste-management improvements and called on residents to play an active role. “We face waste every day, and every household must take responsibility,” Sasayama said.
Early works on the ground include reshaping unstable waste slopes, strengthening compacted garbage, installing methane-ventilation structures and constructing ponds to treat toxic leachate. The programme also involves training KCCA staff in managing landfill risks.
Leading the technical team is Japanese landfill specialist Prof. Masafumi Fujii, praised by officials as one of Japan’s top experts in landfill engineering.
State Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs Kabuye Kyofatogabye said the intervention would help avert future disasters. He added that compensation for residents affected by last year’s slide will be paid soon after the release of government funds.
UN-Habitat’s Regional Human Settlements Officer for Africa, Grace Lubale, said the project highlights the importance of global cooperation in safeguarding vulnerable communities. She noted that UN-Habitat will continue advising on the planned new waste facility in Buyala.
Speaking on behalf of the KCCA Executive Director, Director Revenue Nowere welcomed the support but said much more will be needed to restore the remaining 30 acres. “This grant gives us a critical start,” she said.
Local leaders, including Lusanja LCI Chairperson Kibuka, expressed appreciation to Japan for responding to community concerns.
KCCA Director for Public Health and Environment Sarah Zalwango urged residents to contribute to the shift toward a cleaner city by embracing recycling, reducing household waste and avoiding litter.
