KCCA secures 230-acre site for new waste facility in Mpigi

KAMPALA - Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has acquired a 230-acre plot of land in Buyala, Mpigi district, to establish a state-of-the-art waste management facility.

The land, purchased at sh70 million per acre, totals over sh16.1 billion, as confirmed by details of the contract signed with the landowner.

This acquisition follows a vigorous search for a new landfill site after the August 10, 2024, tragedy at Kiteezi, where the overfilled garbage dump collapsed, burying people and property and claiming over 35 lives.

KCCA executive director Sharifah Buzeki expressed gratitude for securing the land, noting that the new site, located about 23 km from the city centre, marks a major step in addressing the city's waste management challenges.

The contract was signed on February 14, 2025, between KCCA and landowner David Derrick Luwaga, in the presence of his legal team, Raphael Masaba and Edias Asiimwe.

The land, situated on Mityana Road, will be developed into a cutting-edge waste management facility that aims to revolutionise waste handling in the city.

This acquisition addresses the urgent need for a designated site following the closure of the Kiteezi site, which has faced significant challenges.

Buzeki said securing the land had been a top priority for KCCA following the Kiteezi incident.

“After the Kiteezi incident, KCCA needed an alternative land for modern facilities to manage waste and urgently address systemic waste management issues. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in that journey,” she stated.

Buzeki highlighted the importance of community engagement, acknowledging the hospitality and cooperation of the people of Mpigi and Buyala, who had helped guide the process, particularly in terms of alternative routes and access roads.

She also expressed appreciation to the Attorney General and Solicitor General for their legal support throughout the process, as well as the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) for their ongoing technical assistance. 

Buzeki highlighted the importance of community engagement, acknowledging the hospitality and cooperation of the people of Mpigi and Buyala, who had helped guide the process, particularly in terms of alternative routes and access roads.

Unlike traditional dumping sites, the planned Buyala facility will incorporate advanced waste treatment and recycling technologies to minimise environmental impact.

This aligns with KCCA’s vision of transforming Kampala’s waste management system into a more sustainable and efficient model. With the city generating around 2.5 million kilograms of garbage daily but collecting only 45%, the new facility will significantly improve waste collection and processing.

Buzeki outlined the next steps, including environmental and social safeguard studies, followed by the design, financing, and development of an integrated waste management programme in collaboration with NEMA and other relevant government agencies.

Beyond waste management, the facility is expected to provide economic opportunities for the residents of Buyala and the broader Mpigi region.

"There will be numerous job opportunities for local residents once the facility is fully operational. Our goal is to ensure that members of the community benefit directly from employment opportunities, ultimately transforming their livelihoods,” Buzeki emphasised.

With the new site in place, KCCA is poised to begin the development of the waste management project, ushering in a new era of environmental responsibility and economic growth for the region.