A fire broke out Tuesday evening at the Kiteezi landfill in Wakiso District, prompting a swift response from firefighters and concerned residents attempting to contain the blaze, authorities confirmed.
Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director Faridah Buzeeki acknowledged the incident, stating that firefighting efforts were ongoing.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, and it is unclear if there are any casualties. Officials say the site is under continuous surveillance.
This incident comes less than a year after a fatal collapse at the same landfill in August 2024, when part of a garbage mound gave way, burying scores of waste pickers and informal workers. That tragedy left over 30 people dead and ignited widespread criticism over safety failures at the overstretched waste disposal facility.
Subsequent investigations led to legal action against several former senior KCCA officials, who were charged with negligence and abuse of office for allegedly disregarding repeated safety warnings and failing to implement emergency protocols.
Kiteezi landfill, the main solid waste disposal site for Kampala, has operated far beyond its intended capacity for years. The site has struggled with poor waste sorting, hazardous leachate discharge, and unregulated human activity.
The latest fire has reignited public concern over the site’s safety and the effectiveness of recent efforts to decongest and rehabilitate it. Nearby residents have also voiced alarm over the potential health risks from toxic smoke and air pollution.
KCCA is expected to release a detailed statement as investigations into the fire’s cause and damage continue. Emergency teams remain on high alert as the situation unfolds.
