The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has issued a stern three-day notice to residents and business operators occupying a sewer corridor in Kasanvu Zone, Namuwongo, warning that anyone who fails to vacate voluntarily will be removed. The directive was announced during the authority’s ongoing Weyonje community clean-up campaign, which exposed alarming sanitation challenges in the densely populated settlement.
Officials found the area overwhelmed by poor hygiene conditions, including sewage flowing dangerously close to homes, food establishments, and public pathways. A massive illegal dumping site had also emerged within the community, creating serious health concerns for residents and increasing the risk of disease outbreaks.Investigations revealed that numerous makeshift structures, housing businesses such as restaurants, salons, grocery outlets, and carpentry workshops, had been erected directly above a critical sewer line managed by the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC).
The developments have severely restricted access to the infrastructure and contributed to persistent blockages and sewage spillages.KCCA Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki said reports from NWSC maintenance teams indicated they were unable to service the sewer system because of the structures built on top of it. She emphasized that restoring access to the sewer line was essential to prevent further environmental and public health hazards within the community.Buzeki also urged residents to take greater responsibility for maintaining cleanliness in their neighborhoods, stressing that improved sanitation practices are vital in reducing illnesses associated with poor hygiene.
She called for stronger cooperation between communities and city authorities to create a healthier living environment.Deputy Executive Director Benon Kigenyi echoed the appeal, encouraging residents to actively participate in keeping their surroundings clean rather than relying solely on KCCA. He reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to supporting waste management initiatives and improving sanitation services across informal settlements.During the exercise, residents raised concerns about the shortage of affordable sanitation facilities in the area.
Community members explained that many people are forced to resort to open defecation because existing public toilets charge user fees that some families cannot consistently afford. Others pointed to landlords who have failed to provide toilet facilities for tenants despite operating densely occupied rental properties.
Responding to the concerns, Buzeki directed local leaders to identify suitable land where KCCA can construct three free public toilets for the community. She assured residents that funding for the project is already available and emphasized that the facilities would provide much-needed relief to vulnerable households while improving overall sanitation standards in Kasanvu and neighboring zones.
