Residents of Kirengyere village in Kyanamira Sub-county, Kabale District, are living in fear following the recent tragedy at the Kiteezi landfill that claimed over 34 lives and affected more than 50 households.
The Kirengyere garbage dumping center, which also serves as a burial ground for unclaimed bodies, has been operational for nearly a decade and bears an eerie resemblance to the ill-fated Kiteezi site. This has sparked growing concerns among residents that a similar disaster could unfold in their community.
Upon arrival at the Kirengyere garbage center, one is immediately greeted by swarms of houseflies and a strong stench. The site, which became operational in 2010, has turned into a breeding ground for diseases and a source of constant distress for nearby residents.
Poor waste management and the presence of unclaimed bodies burried there have created a toxic environment, with the situation worsening during the rainy season. Filthy water from the garbage heaps seeps into homes, and houseflies infest the area, exposing residents to infections.
Peace Kagurusi, Jane Karukwazi, and Sharon Orikyere, residents living near the dumping site, expressed their concerns. “We face challenges from the strong stench and the constant presence of houseflies, especially during the rainy season,” they shared. They also fear that a disaster similar to Kiteezi could happen in Kabale. The same site used for garbage disposal is also used for burying unidentified individuals, leading to incidents where dogs exhumed bodies from shallow graves due to poor burial practices.
Residents of Kirengyere are now demanding urgent action from the authorities to address the situation before it’s too late. “We’ve had challenges with the garbage, especially the houseflies. Now that it has rained, each household will be full of them. Sometimes, filthy water from the garbage heaps seeps into our homes, and dogs dig up the buried bodies,” they stated. “We heard that the municipal council has acquired land elsewhere. We call upon them to move the garbage to the new site.”
Andrew Beija, Health Inspector for Kabale Municipality, acknowledged the concerns, stating that the garbage center is nearly filled up. “As municipal leaders, we are worried. The site may not be able to serve its purpose in the next two to three years. We are planning to buy land that is larger and further from town,” Beija explained. He also expressed fears that what happened in Kiteezi could happen in Kabale.
As the residents of Kirengyere continue to live in fear, their pleas for help remain in the balance. Will their cries be heard, or will they be left to face the devastating consequences of inaction?
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