Lives Lost, Promises Broken: Uganda’s Environmental Disasters and the Government’s Failure to Act
Uganda has witnessed several environmental disasters over the past decade, many of which have resulted in significant loss of life and displacement of communities. Among these, the Kiteezi landfill crisis stands out as a glaring example of government negligence. However, this tragedy is not an isolated incident. This report highlights key disasters across Uganda over the past ten years, examining the government’s response, or lack thereof, and the impact on the victims.
1. Kiteezi Landfill Tragedies
2016 Kiteezi Landslide
Date: April 2016
Location: Kiteezi Landfill, Kampala
Lives Lost: 12 people
Incident Details: Heavy rains led to the collapse of a section of the landfill, causing a landslide that buried several homes. The victims included families living in makeshift shelters near the landfill.
Government Response: The government promised to relocate affected families and improve landfill management. However, these promises were not fulfilled. No compensation was provided to the victims’ families, and the landfill continued to operate under unsafe conditions.
2021 Kiteezi Landslide
Date: September 2021
Location: Kiteezi Landfill, Kampala
Lives Lost: 9 people
Incident Details: Another landslide occurred after days of continuous rain. The waste pile collapsed, engulfing nearby dwellings. The victims included children and elderly residents who were unable to escape the fast-moving debris.
Government Response: The government’s response was limited to issuing statements of concern and conducting a brief investigation. No substantial action was taken to close or secure the landfill. The families affected received no compensation or relocation assistance.
Bududa Landslides
Date: October 2018
Location: Bududa District, Eastern Uganda
Lives Lost: 51 people
Incident Details: Torrential rains triggered a massive landslide in the Bududa District, burying several villages under mud and debris. The area is prone to landslides, and this was one of the deadliest in recent history.
Government Response: The government declared a national disaster and promised to relocate people from the high-risk areas. However, the relocation process has been slow, and many survivors have yet to receive the promised assistance. Compensation was minimal, and many families were left to rebuild their lives with little government support.
Kasese Floods
Date: May 2020
Location: Kasese District, Western Uganda
Lives Lost: 8 people
Incident Details: The Nyamwamba River burst its banks following heavy rains, leading to widespread flooding in Kasese District. Homes, schools, and health centers were destroyed, leaving thousands homeless.
Government Response: The government provided some emergency relief, including food and temporary shelter. However, long-term support and compensation were inadequate. Many families remain in makeshift camps, and efforts to rebuild the area have been slow and underfunded.
Lake Victoria Boat Tragedy
Date: November 24, 2018
Location: Lake Victoria, near Mutima Island
Lives Lost: 32 people (officially reported; unofficial estimates suggest higher numbers)
Incident Details: A leisure boat carrying over 100 passengers capsized due to overloading and poor weather conditions. Many of the passengers drowned, while others were rescued by local fishermen.
Government Response: The government conducted rescue operations and later promised to enforce stricter safety regulations for water vessels. However, enforcement has been lax, and no compensation was provided to the victims’ families. The incident exposed the government’s failure to regulate the safety of marine transport effectively.
Masaka-Kampala Highway Accidents
Date: Multiple incidents from 2015-2023
Location: Masaka-Kampala Highway
Lives Lost: Over 300 people across multiple accidents
Incident Details: The Masaka-Kampala Highway is notorious for fatal traffic accidents, largely due to poor road conditions, reckless driving, and inadequate enforcement of traffic laws. Several major accidents over the years have resulted in significant loss of life.
Government Response: The government has promised road repairs and increased traffic enforcement, but these measures have been slow to implement. Compensation for victims’ families has been inconsistent, with many receiving little to no support.
A Pattern of Negligence
The Kiteezi landfill crisis is part of a broader pattern of government inaction in the face of environmental and public safety disasters in Uganda. From landslides to flooding, boat accidents to road carnage, the government’s response has often been characterized by unfulfilled promises and inadequate support for victims.
The Ugandan government must be held accountable for its failure to protect its citizens from preventable tragedies. The repeated loss of life, displacement of communities, and lack of compensation for victims reflect a systemic issue that requires urgent attention. It is time for the government to move beyond promises and take decisive action to address these ongoing crises, ensuring that all Ugandans are safe from the dangers posed by environmental disasters and infrastructure failures.
Close the Kiteezi landfill immediately and develop new waste management facilities.
Implement comprehensive disaster preparedness and response plans for vulnerable areas.
Provide adequate compensation and support for victims of environmental and infrastructure-related tragedies.
Strengthen regulations and ensure strict enforcement to prevent future disasters.
The time for action is now. The lives and well-being of Ugandans depend on it.