The government has committed to providing fair compensation to all victims of the Kiteezi landfill disaster, starting with an on-site property evaluation.
During a recent visit to the disaster site, Mr. Michael Musumba, a government surveyor, emphasized that the assessment would be thorough to ensure each victim receives appropriate compensation. “We begin by notifying the local committee in the victim’s area, who will appoint someone to guide us through the property boundaries,” Mr. Musumba explained.
He urged victims to present valid legal documents proving ownership of the affected land, homes, and assets. “We will evaluate the land where the house stood to determine its standard area. We’ll also measure structures such as houses and shades separately, as materials and costs can vary,” he added.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Group and Receive Daily News
Mr. Musumba further explained that evaluators would examine the interiors of damaged homes to assess the value of features like floors, ceilings, and finishing materials. “After gathering these details, we’ll assess each case individually and determine the corresponding compensation amount,” he said.
Sharifah Buzeki, the Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), noted that victims had requested an early assessment to expedite the compensation process. “The chief government valuer will review all assessments to ensure accurate compensation. Once the final figures are approved, payments will begin,” Ms. Buzeki stated.
Kyadondo East MP Muwada Nkunyingi encouraged the victims to cooperate with the evaluators. “At this point, we don’t know exactly who is owed what. The law dictates that the chief government valuer conduct the valuation, and our role is to support or contest the valuation. Instead of protesting, we should focus on providing solid evidence,” he said.
Some residents, however, remain doubtful. Ms. Jennifer Namulondo, a Lusanja resident, questioned whether the government would follow through. “Why is the government only compensating for houses and personal property? What about the land we bought with our savings?” she asked.
Ms. Teddy Nabuma, a resident near the Kiteezi buffer zone, raised concerns about the area’s drainage system, which has been severely impacted by flooding following the landfill collapse. Mr. Fahad Semakula, who lost two children in the disaster, urged the government to act swiftly. “You can’t compensate someone who lost a house the same way as someone who lost children. One of mine was about to join Makerere University,” Mr. Semakula said.
Background: On August 10 last year, the Kiteezi landfill collapsed, killing at least 30 people and destroying several homes. Following the tragedy, KCCA Executive Director Dorothy Kisaka and two other senior city officials were arrested and charged with manslaughter and negligence. They have since been dismissed from their positions.
Also Read: Authorities Launch Investigations as Anthrax Kills Two in Kazo
