Ghanaian Investor to Fix Kiteezi Landfill

The Ugandan government has entered into a partnership with Ghana’s Jospong Group of Companies to recycle waste that has accumulated at Kiteezi landfill in Wakiso District over the past 28 years. The collaboration aims to address Kampala’s long-standing waste management issues by rehabilitating the landfill and implementing sustainable waste recycling practices.
On October 8, 2024, during the official handover of the Kiteezi landfill site, the Minister of State for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs, Kabuye Kyofatogabye, revealed that the government is currently in the process of decommissioning the landfill. Joseph S. Agyepong, Chief Executive Officer of Jospong Group, was present at the event, representing his company, which will oversee the transformation of the landfill.
Agyepong announced that Jospong Group plans to begin the actual work of transforming the landfill in March 2025. However, part of the technical team is expected to arrive in Uganda on October 10, 2024, to conduct a detailed survey of the landfill. He emphasized the importance of properly assessing the site before commencing the project.
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The partnership between Uganda and Jospong was formed in response to the Kiteezi tragedy, which occurred on August 10, 2024, when a garbage heap at the landfill collapsed, resulting in the deaths of 35 people, injuries to 18 others, and the displacement of 280 people. A total of 171 households were destroyed by the incident. Following this disaster, the Ugandan government sought an experienced partner to address the waste management crisis. Jospong Group was selected due to its successful handling of similar challenges in Ghana, where it has been managing waste for over 25 years.
Minister Kyofatogabye stated that Jospong Group offers an efficient and affordable solution for waste management. The company’s expertise in waste recycling is expected to provide long-term benefits for Uganda by turning waste into usable materials and creating economic opportunities.
In addition to improving waste management, Agyepong noted that the project would also create jobs for the local community. He mentioned plans to educate residents on waste sorting, recycling, and how to sell recyclable materials to secondary buyers. While Agyepong did not specify the amount of investment capital earmarked for the project, he explained that the company is driven by passion for environmental sustainability rather than immediate financial gain. A comprehensive study of the site will be conducted before finalizing investment details with the government.
Kiteezi landfill, established in 1996 with financial support from the World Bank, serves as Kampala’s primary waste depository. By 2024, the site was receiving between 1,500 and 2,000 tonnes of solid waste per day, making its rehabilitation a critical issue for the city’s waste management strategy.