KCCA Launches Weyonje Campaign to Enforce New Garbage Fees

The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has rolled out a new set of charges and reinforced waste management regulations as part of its ongoing ‘Weyonje’ campaign, aimed at enhancing sanitation in the city ahead of the National Cleaning Day on August 28.

KCCA Executive Director, Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, clarified that these new fees are for routine waste collection from homes, businesses, and institutions, not solely for the National Cleaning Day event. Households in informal settlements will now pay Shs1,000 per 50kg of garbage, while commercial premises will be charged Shs3,000 for the same quantity. Institutions face a fee of Shs40,000 per load, with monthly charges adjusted based on waste volume.

To manage the expected increase in waste, KCCA has contracted nine private waste collection companies, with eight already holding operating permits. These companies are set to deploy 116 trucks, capable of collecting 1,468.5 tonnes of waste across Kampala’s villages. This initiative supports the city’s daily generation of 2,000 to 2,500 tonnes of garbage. The government is also contributing by allocating funds for ten additional garbage trucks.

A new “bring-to-truck” system is being implemented, requiring residents to bring their refuse to designated collection points. Local leaders are tasked with identifying these points and establishing collection schedules. Mandatory waste sorting has also been introduced to encourage recycling and reduce the burden on disposal sites.

KCCA is phasing out individual garbage collectors who lack proper disposal capabilities, citing street dumping as a consequence. Burning of garbage within the city is also prohibited due to air pollution concerns. The authority is reviving parish sanitation committees to bolster community involvement in maintaining cleanliness.

One of the contracted companies, Big Seal Holdings Ltd, will handle domestic waste in eastern Makindye Division and plans to educate residents on waste management and sorting, emphasizing the financial benefits of recycling. The initiative aims to streamline garbage collection, reduce street dumping, and foster a cleaner Kampala.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)