Mutungo Residents Raise Concerns Over Garbage Collection Costs, KCCA Property Rates at Community Meeting

By Muwanga Andrew Residents of Mutungo have raised concerns over the rising cost of garbage collection, the assessment and payment of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) property rates, and accountability among elected leaders during a community engagement meeting held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Kiduuka Grounds. The discussions at the meeting, compiled by Muwanga Andrew, brought together residents, community leaders and representatives of KCCA to discuss challenges affecting households and the delivery of essential services, with particular emphasis on affordable waste management, property taxation, security and community participation in local governance. Garbage collection charges by De Waste Company and concerns surrounding KCCA property rates emerged as the dominant issues, with residents calling for practical interventions to ease the financial burden on ordinary households and improve transparency in the administration of public services. ### Residents Demand Affordable Garbage Collection Services Residents expressed dissatisfaction with the cost of garbage collection by De Waste Company, arguing that the charges were increasingly unaffordable, particularly for low-income households. The meeting discussed an earlier proposal attributed to the KCCA Executive Director (ED), under which residents would pay Shs1,000 for every 50 kilogrammes of garbage delivered to a collection truck. However, residents observed that the proposed arrangement had never been fully implemented, leaving households struggling with what they described as excessive collection charges, reportedly reaching Shs20,000 or more. It was explained that additional costs associated with garbage collection sacks and transportation of waste to designated collection points contribute to the higher charges. Participants argued that the current arrangements appeared more affordable to wealthier communities than to low-income neighbourhoods, calling for a review of the collection model to ensure that every household can access proper waste disposal services. The community urged De Waste Company to engage residents directly, negotiate affordable charges and intensify sensitisation on its collection arrangements. Residents were also encouraged to separate and sort domestic waste to reduce the volume of garbage requiring transportation and disposal. The meeting further emphasised the importance of maintaining KCCA garbage trucks within communities, noting that the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) had supported the procurement of four KCCA garbage trucks through government arrangements. De Waste Company was also recognised for its contribution to garbage collection during National Cleaning Day. Participants, however, stressed that private waste management arrangements should complement rather than undermine accessible public garbage collection services. ### Property Rates Assessment Sparks Concern Among Residents KCCA property rates and the assessment of properties by the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) also attracted considerable attention. Residents expressed concern over the manner in which property rates assessments and notices were being handled, with some questioning the processes through which property values are determined and communicated to taxpayers. The concerns arose as URA officials were reportedly taking property measurements in the area during the meeting. Residents called for greater coordination between KCCA, URA and community representatives to ensure that property owners receive adequate information and understand the implications of the assessment and taxation processes. They also appealed to the relevant authorities to consider waiving accumulated penalties, including those arising during the COVID-19 period, arguing that such relief would ease the burden on affected property owners. The meeting further proposed digitising property rates payments, including introducing Mobile Money and other convenient electronic payment channels to improve accessibility, transparency and accountability. In a position communicated by the Lord Mayor, residents were reminded of an earlier assurance that the property rates matter, including the officials responsible for issuing KCCA notices, would not be brought back to communities until a concrete resolution and clear way forward had been established. The Mayor of Nakawa, Nubian Lee, also emphasised that 75 per cent of the revenue collected should be returned to the community, a position residents want followed up to ensure that revenue generated from their area translates into visible improvements in local services and infrastructure. ### KCCA Revenue Officer Explains Property Rates Procedures KCCA Revenue Officer in charge, Mr Julius Muwulya, thanked residents for their cooperation and contribution towards the payment of property rates. Muwulya urged residents to familiarise themselves with the procedures governing property rates and advised them to direct their complaints and inquiries to the appropriate offices rather than confronting officials who may not have the mandate to resolve particular concerns. He also commended three Chairpersons who had formally written to KCCA requesting that officials visit the community to educate residents about property rates and the relevant administrative procedures. During the engagement, Ms Barbra and Mr James Mwesigwa offered to assist residents who visit the Nakawa KCCA Revenue Office seeking guidance on property documentation and related matters. Residents were advised to carry an LC letter clearly confirming their residence in the property concerned, a photocopy of their National Identity Card and a sworn affidavit. It was clarified that an affidavit could also be handwritten, subject to the applicable requirements. On property ownership transfers, residents were advised to obtain the relevant Certificate of Areas Declaration from sellers when purchasing houses. Those intending to transfer houses to their children as gifts were also encouraged to ensure that the appropriate Gift Deed documentation was in place. The identified representatives pledged to assist residents navigating the relevant procedures at the Nakawa KCCA Revenue Office. ### Absence of Key Leaders Raises Accountability Questions The meeting also expressed concern over the absence of several political and administrative leaders whose offices were considered important in addressing the issues affecting residents. It was noted that the Lord Councillors were absent, while the Office of the Lord Mayor and the KCCA Executive Director were neither present nor represented. Hon. Ruhindi was represented by Mr Peter Kyabasinga. Residents expressed disappointment that key decision-makers had not personally attended an engagement involving matters with significant financial and social implications for the community. They called upon Hon. Ruhindi to take the concerns surrounding garbage collection, property rates and the ongoing Kasasa-related concerns to Parliament for further consideration. Kyabasinga assured participants that Hon. Ruhindi remained committed to supporting the community in addressing the challenges raised, including garbage collection, property rates and the fight concerning Kasasa. The Deputy Speaker of Nakawa KCCA Divisional Council also referred the property rates concerns to the Office of the Town Clerk and other relevant higher authorities for further attention. Residents insisted that elected leaders should strengthen their engagement with communities and ensure that concerns raised during public meetings are followed up with the relevant decision-making institutions. ### De Waste Company Urged to Review Its Collection Model Further discussions sought to clarify the garbage collection arrangement operated by De Waste Company. The meeting was informed that the proposed model involves residents delivering their garbage to designated collection trucks, with Shs1,000 per 50 kilogrammes discussed as the ideal charge. It was explained that the starting fee was not necessarily Shs20,000, as additional costs associated with garbage sacks and transportation arrangements could contribute to the final amount charged to households. Participants maintained that the company should clearly communicate its pricing structure to residents and negotiate affordable arrangements that take into consideration the economic circumstances of different households. The meeting also clarified that Councillors had only approved funding for garbage collection services in schools and hospitals, highlighting the need for further engagement on how household waste management services should be sustainably supported. Community sensitisation was identified as a key intervention in ensuring residents understand the collection system, their responsibilities and available waste disposal options. ### Residents Call for Greater Political Accountability Beyond garbage collection and property rates, the meeting highlighted what residents described as a growing gap between community expectations and the responsiveness of their elected representatives. Participants argued that Councillors should demonstrate greater commitment to addressing challenges affecting their electorate, particularly where residents are confronted with rising service costs and taxation concerns. They called for regular community engagements and stronger communication between elected leaders, KCCA technical officials and residents. The meeting emphasised that public consultations should result in concrete interventions rather than becoming platforms where concerns are repeatedly raised without corresponding action. ### Security Committees Proposed for Every Zone Security and community responsibility also featured prominently in the discussions. The LC II Chairperson encouraged residents to take an active role in maintaining security within their neighbourhoods. A proposal was made for every zone to establish a security committee comprising approximately five members to coordinate community-level security initiatives and strengthen cooperation among residents. Parents and guardians were also reminded of their responsibility to guide their children, promote discipline and take an active role in their upbringing. The meeting observed that maintaining security requires collective responsibility, with residents expected to cooperate with local leaders and relevant security structures to protect their neighbourhoods. ### Key Resolutions and Expected Interventions The meeting identified several areas requiring follow-up by community leaders, KCCA, URA and other relevant authorities. Among the key action points were calls for De Waste Company to negotiate affordable garbage collection charges, continued access to KCCA garbage trucks, increased public education on waste separation and stronger engagement between KCCA, URA and residents on property rates assessments. Residents also want the relevant authorities to consider penalty waivers, particularly those relating to the COVID-19 period, and introduce convenient digital payment options, including Mobile Money. Other priorities include following up on the proposal that 75 per cent of collected revenue should benefit the community, engaging Hon. Ruhindi to present residents' concerns to Parliament, improving property documentation support and strengthening accountability among elected leaders. The proposed establishment of security committees in every zone was also highlighted as an important community intervention. Community Expects Action Beyond Meetings The engagement at Kiduuka Grounds provided residents of Mutungo with an opportunity to openly articulate their concerns regarding the affordability of public services, property taxation, political representation and neighbourhood security. Although the participation of KCCA revenue officials offered residents an opportunity to obtain clarification on property rates procedures, the absence of several key political and administrative leaders remained a major concern. Residents now expect KCCA, URA, elected representatives and private service providers to move beyond discussions and develop practical solutions that respond to the challenges raised. The question of affordable garbage collection remains particularly important for low-income households, while concerns surrounding property assessments, penalties and revenue accountability require sustained engagement and clear communication from the responsible authorities. The meeting ultimately reinforced the importance of meaningful community participation in local governance, with residents demanding services that are affordable, transparent and responsive to their needs. The central message from Mutungo was clear: residents want affordable services, transparent property taxation, accountable leadership and a fair share of the revenue generated from their community.*