In a tragic incident at the Kiteezi landfill, part of the rubbish heap unexpectedly peeled off yesterday, burying several residents living nearby. This unfortunate event has resulted in the loss of lives and severe injuries, prompting an immediate response from the highest levels of government.

In his statement, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and offered prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. He expressed deep concern over the fact that human settlement was allowed near such a potentially hazardous site.

"The first question that comes to mind is: 'Who allowed people to live near such a potentially hazardous and dangerous heap?'" President Museveni questioned, highlighting the dangers posed not only by the risk of the heap collapsing but also by the hazardous effluent seeping from it. "Even without peeling off and burying people, the effluent alone must be hazardous to health," he added.

Reflecting on traditional waste management practices, the President noted that even the organic rubbish heaps of the past were considered dangerous enough to prohibit settlement nearby. He emphasized the increased danger posed by the modern Kiteezi landfill, which contains not just organic waste but also plastics and other hazardous materials.

President Museveni shared insights from his conversation with Dorothy Kisakka, who discussed the government's plans to move the landfill to Dundu. However, this move has faced resistance from the local population, who are concerned about living near the rubbish. Despite positive initiatives to use the waste for generating electricity, producing manure, and recycling plastics, the President stressed that these efforts do not justify allowing people to live in such proximity to the landfill.

To address the immediate crisis, President Museveni has directed the Deputy Inspector General of Government (IGG), Anne Muhairwe, to investigate the circumstances leading to this disaster and provide a comprehensive report. He also instructed Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja to coordinate the removal of all households within the danger zone and to oversee the recovery efforts for those still buried in the rubbish.

In his message, President Museveni urged Ugandans to learn from this tragedy and avoid settling in hazardous areas, such as wetlands, lake shores, riverbanks, and forests, where they risk exposure to natural disasters and diseases like monkeypox and Ebola.

The UPDF Special Forces have been deployed to assist in rescue operations, and the President has directed the State House Comptroller to provide financial assistance to the affected families, with UGX 5 million allocated per deceased person and UGX 1 million per injured person. This assistance is separate from any legal compensation that may be determined if a government agency is found responsible for the tragedy.

"May Almighty God rest the souls of our departed people in eternal peace and heal the injured," President Museveni concluded.