KCCA ED Leads Nakawa Clean-Up, Champions Household Waste Sorting for a Cleaner Kampala
The exercise, held in Mutungo Zones V and VI, is part of KCCA’s weekly citywide clean-up campaign aimed at mobilising residents, strengthening community participation, and instilling a culture of proper waste management.
Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has stepped up its drive for a cleaner and healthier city, with Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki on Saturday personally leading a massive community clean-up in Nakawa Division.
The exercise, held in Mutungo Zones V and VI, is part of KCCA’s weekly citywide clean-up campaign aimed at mobilising residents, strengthening community participation, and instilling a culture of proper waste management. The Nakawa drive brought together hundreds of residents, youth groups, and local leaders, who joined hands to sweep streets, clear garbage heaps, and unblock drainage channels.
According to KCCA, the initiative targeted more than 16,000 households in Nakawa and was powered by community-based youth groups to ensure sustainability. Hajjat Buzeki commended the active participation of residents, noting that waste sorting is now a key pillar in the Authority’s waste management strategy.
“This is no longer business as usual. The work is huge, but together we can make Kampala shine,” Buzeki said. “KCCA will support the cleaning Saccos with funds to acquire their own protective gear so that these efforts can be sustained.”
Deputy Executive Director Benon Kigenyi emphasised the importance of separating waste at household level, pointing out that it reduces the strain on landfills and increases recycling efficiency.
“Sorting waste at the source allows us to turn organic matter into compost and channel plastics, metals, and glass to recycling plants. This not only cuts costs and eases collection but also prevents flooding caused by blocked drains,” Kigenyi explained.
Nakawa Mayor Paul Mugambe called on residents to take personal responsibility for their waste, warning against the dangers of careless disposal.
“Garbage does not clean itself. We must all act and stop dumping in waterways,” Mugambe said.
The clean-up was attended by senior KCCA officials including Director of Public Health and Environment Dr Sarah Zalwango, Deputy Director of ICT Monica Nyakaisiki, and Nakawa Division Town Clerk Moses Ssempa. Local leaders also took part, with Mutungo Zone V LCI Chairperson Kassim Muwonge praising the growing partnership between KCCA and the community, noting improved discipline in waste disposal.
KCCA statistics indicate that Kampala generates an estimated 2,500 tonnes of waste daily, with less than 60 percent collected. The uncollected waste often ends up clogging drainage systems, polluting wetlands, and creating public health hazards. The Authority hopes that by improving waste sorting and recycling rates, the burden on the Buyala solid waste management facility will be eased.
The Nakawa exercise forms part of KCCA’s broader efforts to promote environmental stewardship, enhance public health, and foster shared responsibility for cleanliness across all five city divisions.
