Fire Breaks Out at Closed Kiteezi Landfill

A fire erupted Saturday morning at the closed Kiteezi landfill, raising concerns about the potential dangers of methane gas combustion at the former dumpsite.

Authorities, including the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and Uganda Police, are actively working to contain the fire and prevent further risks to surrounding communities.

In an official notice, KCCA Management warned that cracks in the landfill have led to waste slides, increasing the exposure of methane gas—commonly found in landfills—which can ignite under hot weather conditions.

Residents living within the demarcated 200-meter buffer zone in Lusanjje, Kitetika, and Kiteezi have been urged to vacate immediately for their safety.

Kampala Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago, who visited the site for emergency response efforts, described the fire as “yet another tragedy at Kiteezi,” pointing to the possibility of an underground methane combustion.

Fire brigade experts have recommended a murrum dosing method to suppress the fire instead of using water, but challenges remain due to the lack of necessary equipment like conveyor belts.

“We are doing our best to arrest the situation. Mechanical methods are currently being deployed, and we hope to address the fire before a catastrophic volcano-like explosion occurs,” Lukwago stated.

Local leaders, security agencies, and the public have been urged to support evacuation efforts and ensure compliance with safety measures.

Authorities continue to investigate the exact cause of the fire, while emergency teams remain on high alert to prevent further escalation.

On the morning of Friday, 9 August 2024, during a heavy rainstorm, the unstable mountain of garbage at Kiteezi Landfill began to cascade downhill, covering buildings, gardens, livestock and human beings.

In the immediate aftermath, 12 human bodies were uncovered and at least one dozen survivors were evacuated to area hospitals. As of 16 August 2024, a total of 35 dead had been confirmed.