By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
Residents of Kabowa Parish in Rubaga Division who have been illegally discharging wastewater and sludge into drainage channels have been warned that legal actions will be taken against them.
The warning was issued by Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director, Hajjati Sharifah Buzeki, during a major clean-up exercise aimed at restoring the parish’s drainage system and safeguarding public health on Saturday.
Buzeki, accompanied by KCCA officials and local leaders in Rubaga Division, inspected clogged drainage channels in Kironde Zone and Sembule B Zone in Kabowa Parish. The activity also marked the launch of the Weyonje Sanitation Challenge in Rubaga.
Speaking to Parrots Media after the inspection, Buzeki observed that some residents living near drainage channels have been discharging wastewater and human waste directly into the river, posing serious public health risks, including the potential spread of cholera. She noted that offenders will be penalised.
Local authorities also expressed concern over delayed solid waste collection by Homeklin, a company contracted to handle garbage in the area, as well as inadequate community sensitisation on proper waste disposal.
Jamil Kabugho, chairperson of the Division Road cleaners (7 Hills) Association SACCO, told the ED that many households in Kabowa lack pit latrines, forcing residents to defecate in polythene bags and buckets, which are later emptied into drainage channels.
“In the last one year, Homeklin has collected solid waste only once in our zone. We need regular sensitisation, especially on proper toilet use, because many homes do not have pit latrines,” Kabugho said, urging KCCA to consider constructing a public toilet for the community.
Residents further appealed to KCCA to recruit additional labourers to support road cleaning, especially on newly constructed roads, saying the current workforce is too small to adequately maintain all roads.
In response, Buzeki pledged that the authority would urgently address the concerns raised. She also warned that strict penalties will be enforced against anyone found dumping waste irresponsibly on streets or in drainage systems. She emphasized the need to sort organic and non-organic, and E-waste in different bins, and or reuse to enable in proper waste management.
The Executive Director also highlighted existing government programmes in the area including the Parish Development Model, public schools and health facilities, and encouraged residents to utilise the services available to them.
“We have just celebrated World AIDS Day. I want to remind you that HIV/AIDS is still with us. The government has established health facilities in this division—please make use of them,” Buzeki said, urging the community to safeguard themselves against HIV and other chronic diseases.
Rubaga Division Town Clerk noted that most disease cases reported in the area stem from poor hygiene, and called on local leaders to develop sanitation sensitisation work plans in their respective zones.
“As LC1 chairpersons, you are the immediate administrators. Do not wait for KCCA—use your constitutional powers, and involve the authority where necessary,” he said.
The KCCA Weyonje Sanitation Challenge 2025 is a citywide initiative aimed at improving hygiene, promoting waste sorting, and encouraging community participation in keeping Kampala clean. The programme includes inspections, public awareness campaigns, and strict enforcement against poor sanitation practices.
The Director of Public Health, Dr Sarah Zalwango, the public will nominate the best-performing division online via KCCA’s official platforms and U-Report. Videos showcasing sanitation activities will be uploaded to the authority’s website, and the overall winner will be announced on December 20.
