Garbage chokes Masindi town

Masindi: Residents and business operators in Masindi Town are raising alarm over growing piles of uncollected garbage in several parts of the municipality, warning of serious health and environmental risks.

Areas most affected include Kijura Weekly Market in Kijura Trading Centre, sections behind Masindi Stadium, and residential neighbourhoods near the home of Masindi District LC5 Chairperson, Cosmas Byaruhanga. These locations are now characterized by heaps of decomposing waste.

Gerald Mugume, a business operator behind Masindi Stadium, said the situation is already affecting livelihoods.

“The garbage has blocked access roads to our businesses, produces a foul smell, and attracts houseflies, creating a health hazard,” he said.

Wilson Asiimwe, a driver operating near the stadium, noted that the garbage piles started small but have steadily grown due to delayed collection. “We are now at risk of contracting diseases,” he warned.

Jonan Mugisa, a resident, appealed for urgent intervention from authorities, saying the waste has spread across streets and residential areas, increasing fears of a possible disease outbreak.

Bruno Byaruhanga, a bottle collector, claimed that garbage near the residence of the district chairperson is rarely collected. He said he only collects recyclable bottles, leaving the rest of the waste unattended.

Jackson Umirambe, worker at Kijura Washing Bay told ugreports.co.ug that there is decline in customers due to the stench and poor sanitation, adding that garbage has also blocked access to the facility.

Masindi Municipality officials have acknowledged the problem. Augustus Bigirwenkya, scretary for health at Central Division attributed the situation to limited resources, including the breakdown of two garbage trucks and an inadequate budget for waste collection.

Earlier, Masindi Municipal Town Clerk Daniel Kasala urged residents and market vendors to take responsibility for managing their waste, emphasizing the “polluter pays” principle.

Bigirwenkya also appealed to newly elected leaders to enforce the principle, noting that garbage collection currently consumes nearly 60 percent of the municipal budget.

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