At least thirty victims who lost both family members and property in the 2024 Kiteezi landfill collapse have condemned the government’s compensation process, describing it as unfair and are calling for an urgent re-evaluation.
On August 11, 2024, a massive heap of garbage at the Kiteezi Landfill in Wakiso District collapsed in the morning hours, killing 35 people.
Several houses were buried under the waste, while others were deliberately demolished to allow rescue operations using heavy excavators.
The tragedy resulted in the dismissal of the then Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director, Dorothy Kisaka, and the prosecution of her, alongside Deputy Director Engineer David Luyimbazi and Director of Public Health Daniel Okello, on charges related to manslaughter and negligence.
In the aftermath, KCCA categorised victims into different groups, including those who lost relatives, those whose property was destroyed, individuals affected during rescue operations, and residents whose houses were submerged by water during the response efforts.
A government valuation exercise was conducted, and although the compensation process was delayed, payments were eventually initiated.
While most victims have received part of their compensation, those who lost both loved ones and property, many of whom remain displaced and are living with friends or renting nearby, say they are dissatisfied with the valuation process, which they describe as grossly unfair.
One of the victims, Muhammad Kironde, who lost his wife, two children, and several houses, together with Joshua Ariho, who lost his entire family, say they received only Shs 29 million in two instalments.
They argue that the amount cannot compensate for the loss of seven houses and multiple family members.
Kironde said he was shocked when the KCCA Executive Director reportedly stated on television that each victim had received more than Shs 50 million, a claim he says is untrue.
He and several other aggrieved victims have vowed to petition Parliament when it resumes.
By Our Reporter
10th Feb 2026
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