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Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The government has officially handed over the Kiteezi landfill to a Ghanaian investor, who plans to tackle the country’s garbage management issues by converting waste into fertilizers and other recyclable materials.
State Minister for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs, Kabuye Kyofatogabye, made the announcement during the decommissioning of the landfill and its handover to Dr. Joseph Sian Agyepong, Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies from Ghana.
Kyofatogabye emphasized that the initiative is a partnership between the government and the investor, and operations will begin immediately. In the past, multiple companies showed interest in investing in waste-to-energy plants. However, their proposals were not considered by the government.
Kyofatogabye explained that these proposals were detailed and costly, requiring nearly five years to implement. Meanwhile, the Kiteezi landfill needed a quick solution, which Agyepong’s proposal addresses effectively. He further clarified that the partnership is still a proposal stage, and the investor intends to work closely with the Ugandan people, especially following a recent tragic incident.
Currently, the government has not allocated a budget for this partnership, except for the compensation and resettlement of individuals living within a 200-meter buffer zone and 150 meters of those affected by water runoff from the landfill. The final budget will be determined once the government valuer provides compensation figures.
Kyofatogabye also highlighted that the initiative is expected to create 200,000 jobs, with 600 people directly employed at the plant and many others involved in garbage collection.
He assured that within six months, the landfill will be leveled, with part of the area repurposed for recreational activities.
Dr. Joseph Sian Agyepong stated that he has been involved in waste management for the past 25 years, running 16 plants in Ghana, with an additional 38 plants focused on medical waste and other types of waste. He assured that garbage collectors would not lose their jobs but that more employment opportunities would be created for Ugandans.
Agyepong revealed that they aim to collect 2,000 tons of garbage daily and will train Ugandans on recycling processes for a variety of uses. He emphasized that no specific investment costs have been mentioned, as his primary motivation is the desire to solve challenges facing fellow Africans. He further explained that garbage is not just waste; it is a “misplaced resource” that, if managed properly, can be highly valuable.
According to Agyepong, 2 percent of Africa’s waste is organic, which can be used to produce organic manure, while other recyclables like plastics and metals can be transformed into new products. As part of the partnership, all end products will belong to the government.
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