KAMPALA – Uganda has secured more than $600 million in aid from the World Bank and the French Development Agency (AFD) to address pressing issues related to infrastructure development and waste management in Kampala. The funds aim to resolve long-standing challenges faced by the city, including the poor state of roads and inadequate waste disposal systems.
The aid package includes $566 million from the World Bank, mainly in credit, and an additional $42.7 million from AFD. This funding will play a crucial role in improving Kampala’s infrastructure, which has struggled to keep up with rapid urban growth.
Recent incidents, such as a tragic garbage landslide at the Kiteezi landfill on Kampala’s outskirts, have brought waste management issues to the forefront. Last month, a portion of the landfill collapsed, burying homes and killing at least 35 people, while 28 remain missing. The disaster has raised serious concerns about the safety of waste disposal in the city, which generates 600 tonnes of waste daily.
In the wake of the tragedy, there has been a renewed focus on finding sustainable solutions for waste management in Kampala. Both government officials and private sector players are rethinking strategies to prevent similar disasters in the future.
The World Bank noted that “rapid urban expansion has exposed significant gaps in infrastructure,” highlighting the need for urgent action. Despite a previous announcement last year that it would stop lending to Uganda due to the country’s anti-gay law, the World Bank has stepped in to support critical infrastructure projects, recognizing the significant societal and economic benefits of improved waste management practices.
The Kiteezi landfill disaster underscores the necessity of transitioning towards safer and more sustainable waste disposal models to protect both the environment and residents of the city.
By Wanje samson