By Our Reporter,
KAMPALA
The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Head of Public and Corporate Affairs, Daniel NuweAbiine has been arrested for obstructing investigation into the garbage slide at Kitezi landfill.
NuweAbiine was arrested on Sunday afternoon (August 11) on the orders of the Deputy Inspector General of Government (IGG) Anne Twino Muhairwe. This was after residents disclosed to the deputy IGG that they had anticipated the disaster at the landfill and when they informed KCCA no action was taken.
The landfill collapse occurred on Saturday (August 10), killing at least 21 persons and damaging houses and animals. This has sparked widespread concern and outrage, with residents and local authorities pointing fingers at KCCA’s inaction despite repeated warnings.
According to IG, NuweAbiine allegedly instructed KCCA officers who recorded statements not to sign, hindering the investigation into the incident. This move has been seen as a deliberate attempt to cover up the authority’s negligence.
The Kiteezi landfill, which has been in operation since 2016, had reached its maximum capacity, but KCCA failed to relocate due to insufficient funding.
“We want to leave this place to Dundu, but need more than shs6 billion to decommission this place and open a new dumping site in Mukono, but we have no money. At the moment we’re looking for more support from foreign friends.” said. Eng. David Luyimbazi, Deputy ED KCCA.
KCCA’s Public Health Directorate 2023 site visit report recommended addressing capacity issues by relocating to a new site or expanding the existing one. However, financial constraints paralyzed efforts, allowing the hazardous situation to persist.
Deputy IGG Muhairwe said they will take actions against any government official who failed to prevent the disaster if investigations reveal negligence.
