The government has officially handed over Kiteezi landfill land to a Ghanaian investor in an initiative aimed at transforming Uganda’s waste management system.
The project, led by Dr. Joseph Sian Agyepong, Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies, will focus on converting waste into fertilizers and other recyclable materials.
State Minister for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs, Kabuye Kyofatogabye, made the announcement during the landfill’s decommissioning ceremony. He explained that the collaboration between the government and Agyepong’s company is designed to address the country’s growing waste management challenges.
Kyofatogabye clarified that while the partnership is still in its early stages, Agyepong is committed to working closely with Ugandans, especially in light of a recent incident involving the landfill.
He added that, although no budget has been set aside by the government for the project, funds will be allocated for the compensation and resettlement of residents living near the landfill. The final budget will be established once government assessors determine compensation amounts.
The project is expected to create approximately 200,000 jobs, including 600 direct positions at the waste processing plant and many more for garbage collectors and related roles.
Within six months, the landfill is set to be leveled, with part of the site repurposed for recreational use.
Dr. Agyepong, who has over 25 years of experience in waste management and operates multiple plants in Ghana, assured that the project would not lead to job losses for garbage collectors. He promised more employment opportunities for Ugandans and outlined plans to collect 2,000 tons of garbage daily. The initiative will also include training for Ugandans in recycling processes, emphasizing the value of waste as a resource.
