The collection, transportation and disposal of garbage in Kampala is the responsibility of Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA) according to the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Ordinance 2000. The city generates about 1,200–1,500 tonnes of garbage on a daily basis and KCCA collects about 400-500 tonnes of garbage on a daily basis leaving about 60% of the garbage uncollected. The uncollected garbage to some extent results into indiscriminate disposal of garbage by the public as they have nowhere to put it.
In Kampala city alone domestic waste generation is estimated to range between 0.5kg and 1.1kg per capita per day. The population of Kampala City and its surbubs is estimated at 1.7 million. The estimate of waste per capita generation per day is 0.5kg on the lower end. This translates into 850 tons of waste generated per day. Domestic waste generation is estimated to be on the higher level among high income residents of the city.
The most un-collected garbage is found where low income earners in the city live. The challenge is some of the residential areas occupied by low income earners are not properly planned in terms of access roads and water and sewerage systems. Therefore the garbage and sewerage trucks cannot reach these places.
Dumping of Waste Areas
The dumping site of waste is located at Kitezi, Mpererwe Nangabo sub county Wakiso District.
The estimated composition of waste is as follow:
Plastics under which polythene falls 1.6%
Vegetable matter 73.8% ( ideal for energy generation)
tree cuttings, glass, metals, and paper. 25.6%
This land landfill was made in 1996.
Collection of Waste
The problem of uncollected garbage does not exist in residential places occupied by the more affluent members of society. The garbage is collected by private collectors who are directly paid by the residents of the areas. The places covered by private garbage collectors are increasing and current include the following:
- Kololo
- Naguru
- Muyenga
- Bugolobi
- Ntinda
- City Centre.
- Universities
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Embassies
- Banks
- Hostels
- some Markets
- Bus parks.
The other information on waste management has been summarized as follows;
Effects and challenges of and solutions
Energy Generation and Manure Production
Sewerage Services