Kampala Capital City Authority has announced a new waste collection plan ahead of the National Cleaning Day scheduled for August 29, as the city moves to improve garbage collection and curb illegal dumping.
According to a statement issued by KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki, Kampala generates between 2,000 and 2,500 tonnes of waste every day, stretching the city’s existing collection capacity.
KCCA says it has procured nine private waste collectors, each assigned to specific zones across the city. Eight have already obtained operational permits and have a combined collection capacity of 1,469 tonnes per day.
The Authority currently has capacity to collect about 500 tonnes of waste daily, while a ninth private collector is expected to add another 200 tonnes. KCCA says the combined system should raise daily waste collection capacity to about 2,169 tonnes.
The measures follow government guidance issued during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja on August 12 as preparations intensify for the National Cleaning Day.
Government has also provided funding for an initial 10 garbage trucks and the first phase of a waste management facility at Buyala. The facility is expected to support material recovery and waste repurposing during the 2026/27 financial year.
Under the new arrangement, residents, businesses and institutions will pay approved waste collection charges in line with the polluter-pays principle.
Residents in designated informal settlements will pay Shs1,000 per 50-kilogramme bag, while other households and commercial premises, including shops, offices, restaurants and arcades, will pay Shs3,000 per 50-kilogramme bag.
Institutions such as churches, mosques, schools and temples will pay Shs40,000 per load.
KCCA will, however, remain responsible for waste generated in public facilities, including markets, taxi parks, health centres, schools and other common-use spaces under its management.
The Authority has also introduced a “Bring-to-Truck” system, under which residents will be required to take waste directly to collection trucks instead of dumping it along roadsides or at undesignated points.
Communities will also be required to separate organic and inorganic waste before taking it for collection.
KCCA has warned that unlicensed collectors using hand carts, bicycles and three-wheelers will not be allowed to operate, citing their contribution to illegal dumping.
Division Town Clerks, local leaders, ward administrators, solid waste officers and licensed collectors will be responsible for establishing waste pick-up points, collection schedules and household inspection arrangements across Kampala’s 857 villages.
The Authority says weekly Weyonje clean-up exercises will continue as part of preparations for the National Cleaning Day.
Community sensitisation on the new procedures is expected to take place between August 19 and 20.
KCCA says the new system is intended to improve waste evacuation, eliminate illegal dumpsites, strengthen accountability among service providers and improve sanitation across the capital.
