The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) faces a significant challenge following the resolution by Kira Municipal Council to stop burials at the Kirinya-Bukasa cemetery in Bweyogerere sub-county. The decision comes amidst growing concerns from residents that the cemetery has reached full capacity.
Christopher Kezimbira, a resident of Namataba, described the dire conditions at the cemetery. “Bodies are brought and piled up here, attracting dogs that feed on them,” he said. This issue has raised alarm among the community over the handling of remains.
Diriisa Byamukama, the chairperson of Namataba, added that the situation has deteriorated, with unbearable smells emanating from the site. “The bodies are often brought in a decomposed state, and flies from the corpses contaminate our plates, food, and other household items,” he explained. “This alone poses serious health risks.”
Residents fear the cemetery’s poor management could trigger outbreaks of diseases, further endangering the community’s well-being.
In response, the Kira Municipal Council convened a meeting to address the matter and ultimately resolved to close the cemetery. Council officials confirmed that KCCA has been informed of this decision. Rashidah Nanyonga, Deputy Mayor of Kira Municipal Council, emphasized the urgency of the matter.
“The cemetery is already filled to capacity, yet KCCA continues to bury bodies there. Dogs disturb the graves, scattering remains, and the stench affects the entire village and surrounding areas,” she said.
KCCA spokesperson Daniel Nuwabiine acknowledged receipt of the council’s resolution. He assured the public that the authority is working to resolve the issue. “We are doing our best to address the problem. It is our responsibility to manage these facilities in a way that does not tarnish the image of the city or the country,” he said, adding that plans are underway to identify an alternative burial site.
This development coincides with a recent directive by KCCA to establish a new landfill in Wakiso District following issues at the Kitezi landfill.
