In brief
In a heartbreaking account, 22-year-old rubbish collector Okuku Prince recounts the devastating loss of his best friend, Sanya Kezia, who was killed during a landslide at Kampala's Kiteezi dump last August. The collapse, which claimed the lives of 30 people, stemmed from weeks of torrential rain and highlighted severe negligence in waste management practices within the city.
As recovery efforts continue, many families remain without compensation while some victims are still feared trapped under the debris. Prince, who has traded his law studies for a daily existence of collecting and reselling waste, emphasizes the urgent need for safety measures and structural reforms at the overburdened Kiteezi landfill.Local authorities admit the tragedy was a wake-up call, but solutions remain convoluted amid political disputes and budget constraints. With ongoing challenges of youth unemployment and inadequate waste management infrastructure, the people affected by this catastrophe face an uncertain future as they seek justice and a return to normalcy.This event has ignited discussions about Kampala's waste management policies and the desperate need for efficient strategies to prevent such disasters from occurring in the future.
