The Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA) has issued a stark warning to the Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA) regarding the urgent need to address the city’s ongoing garbage crisis. With heavy rains expected to hit Kampala and the surrounding Buganda region later this month, experts are concerned that the accumulation of waste could lead to a rapid spread of waterborne diseases.
Despite KCCA’s efforts to manage waste collection, many busy areas, including markets and main streets, remain littered with heaps of rubbish. This situation poses a significant health risk, especially as the rainy season approaches.
In an interview with journalists, Yusuf Nsubuga, a weather forecasting expert at UNMA, emphasized the critical need for KCCA to act swiftly.
“This is the right time for KCCA to solve the issue before September ends and to unclog the trenches and drainage systems to prevent flooding,” Nsubuga stated. He warned that if the garbage issue is not addressed, the city could face severe flooding due to clogged drainage systems once the rains begin.
Nsubuga further noted that the beginning of October is expected to bring above-average rainfall to the Buganda region, including Kampala.
“Kampala needs to be cleaned as soon as possible. The rains have already started, yet there are still piles of rubbish outside markets and busy streets. This must be resolved to prevent diseases like diarrhoea, malaria, and cholera from spreading throughout the city,” he added.
In addition to urging KCCA to prioritize waste management, Nsubuga advised farmers in the Buganda region, particularly those near Lake Victoria, to begin planting their crops in anticipation of the upcoming heavy rains.
UNMA’s warnings serve as a call to action for KCCA to ensure the city is prepared for the rainy season and to mitigate the risks of disease outbreaks and environmental damage.
