Kiteezi fire
The Police Fire Prevention and Rescue Services successfully put out a fire that broke out at the Kiteezi Landfill on the evening of June 17, around 8:00 PM, following reports from concerned members of the public.
According to ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, Deputy Spokesman for Kampala Metropolitan Police, the fire was contained with no casualties reported. He says security have cautioned residents to stay away from the landfill site, which remains hazardous despite the fire being put out. An investigation into the cause of the blaze is ongoing.
While the recent fire has been controlled, it has reignited frustrations among local residents who are still awaiting compensation nearly a year after the deadly landfill collapse in August 2024.
Following the disaster last year, the government issued UGX 2.2 million to each affected family to cover temporary rent and basic needs while valuation exercises for full compensation were conducted. However, many residents say they have not received any further updates since the initial payment.
“We were promised that government valuers would assess our losses and that we would be compensated. But since the initial payout, there’s been silence.” Naava Zam, a landowner said
Residents and community leaders have also expressed disappointment that President Museveni has not visited the Kiteezi site since the tragedy, despite his recent nationwide visits to oversee the Parish Development Model (PDM) program.
“The President finds time to check on PDM activities, but not on people who lost homes, land, and even relatives?” questioned one local.
Kiteezi fire
Community leaders are now demanding answers about the delayed compensation process and are calling for renewed government commitment to resolve the issue.
The Kiteezi landfill disaster, which occurred on August 10, 2024, resulted in the tragic loss of 35 lives and the displacement of hundreds of residents. In the aftermath, the government pledged compensation to the affected families. However, as of mid-2025, many victims remain awaiting promised it.
However, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director, Hajjati Sharifah Buzeki, has assured the public that the government is committed to compensating victims. She stated that the valuation process is underway, involving satellite imagery and ground verification to assess the damage accurately.
She has acknowledged that the government valuer has been on-site, and the assessment is expected to conclude soon. Once completed, the findings will be presented to the cabinet to determine the compensation amounts.
Despite these assurances, many victims express frustration over the delays. Survivors have staged a number of protests, including a demonstration at KCCA headquarters, demanding immediate compensation. They accuse the government of neglect and betrayal, citing the prolonged wait and lack of clear communication.
