Entebbe Residents Protest Garbage Dumping Near Lake Victoria

By Skika Reporter

Residents of Nkumba in Katabi Town Council, Entebbe Municipality, have raised alarm over continued garbage dumping near Lake Victoria, warning of serious health and environmental risks.

The Nkumba dumpsite, initially designated as a temporary waste collection point following the collapse of the Kiteezi Landfill in Kampala, is still receiving large volumes of garbage months later, according to residents.

At the site, the air is thick with a persistent stench from decomposing waste—rotting food, burnt plastic, and stagnant water—creating an unbearable living environment for nearby communities. Flies swarm the area, while heat from the sun intensifies the odour, which residents say spreads into homes and public spaces.

“We used to have fresh air, but now it is hard to even breathe,” said Mr Jamal Besweri, a resident. He added that garbage trucks often arrive between 9pm and 4am, disrupting sleep and raising concerns about the nature of the operations.

Residents say the number of trucks dumping waste has increased significantly since the Kiteezi landfill crisis, affecting several nearby zones including Bukolwa Central, Kavundira, and Apollo.

Ms Judith Zimbe Nabikindu, another resident, noted that conditions worsen during rainy periods. “When it rains, the smell becomes too much. Flies hover around our homes and it is difficult to maintain hygiene,” she said.

Beyond the stench, residents fear that contaminated runoff from the dumpsite could be flowing into Lake Victoria, posing a threat to water quality and public health. Many households have since stopped using nearby water sources, opting instead for piped water from the National Water and Sewerage Corporation or harvesting rainwater.

The situation has also affected property values, with some residents reporting that land prices have dropped significantly. Others say they have been forced to sell at a loss or have failed to find buyers altogether.

In addition to environmental concerns, locals report a rise in theft, which they attribute to the influx of people working around the dumpsite. Some residents, however, acknowledge that the site has created limited income opportunities through waste sorting and recycling.

Still, many say the cost of coping with pollution is rising. Residents report spending heavily on pesticides and air fresheners to manage flies and odours, raising concerns about long-term health effects.

Local leaders say efforts are underway to find a solution. Mr Vincent Nsubuga, a local official in Apollo Zone, revealed that a company has expressed interest in setting up a facility to convert waste into briquettes and manure.

“We want to meet with the community and agree on whether the factory can be installed. With time, we hope the issue of garbage will be properly managed,” he said.

However, residents remain skeptical, questioning why garbage is often dumped at night and alleging possible irregularities in the process. They also accuse regulators, including the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), of failing to act despite repeated complaints.

Community members are now calling on government and municipal authorities to enforce environmental laws, develop a clear waste management plan, and protect Lake Victoria from further pollution.