Kampala’s Floods Crisis: Periodically Deploy Army JATT To Unclog Drainages
A Misplaced Priority: Security Forces Used for Political Suppression Instead of Community Service While authorities have been quick to deploy heavily armed security personnel, including the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JATT), to suppress opposition activities during election seasons, the same level of urgency is rarely applied to issues of public service such as waste management. This raises a critical question: could Kampala’s security forces be redeployed for more productive civic duties rather than being used as political tools?
Uganda Today Edition: Kampala’s Floods Crisis: Periodically Deploy Army JATT To Unclog Drainages
By Uganda Today Analysis Desk
The recent catastrophic floods in Kampala have once again exposed the glaring infrastructural and environmental failures that continue to plague Uganda’s capital. Heavy rains, exacerbated by clogged drainage channels filled with garbage, led to unprecedented urban flooding that submerged roads, homes, and vehicles, leaving a trail of destruction and death. Tragically, among the casualties were an American Embassy staff member and two juveniles who were swept away by the torrents, a grim reminder of the urgent need for sustainable waste management and drainage maintenance in the city.
The Root of the Problem: A City Drowning in Its Own Waste
Kampala’s drainage system has long been a ticking time bomb, choked by uncollected garbage that accumulates due to poor waste disposal habits, inadequate collection services, and a general lack of civic responsibility. From plastic bags to household waste, the city’s drainage channels have effectively turned into open dumps, blocking the free flow of rainwater. Consequently, during heavy rains, these channels overflow, causing flash floods that paralyze urban life and threaten lives.
Despite numerous efforts by Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to clear drainages, the sheer volume of waste, coupled with the reckless disposal habits of city dwellers, has rendered these efforts largely ineffective. Moreover, the city’s rapid urbanization has outpaced infrastructural development, leaving Kampala’s drainage system outdated and overwhelmed.
A Misplaced Priority: Security Forces Used for Political Suppression Instead of Community Service
While authorities have been quick to deploy heavily armed security personnel, including the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JATT), to suppress opposition activities during election seasons, the same level of urgency is rarely applied to issues of public service such as waste management. This raises a critical question: could Kampala’s security forces be redeployed for more productive civic duties rather than being used as political tools?
Instead of deploying JATT operatives to disperse opposition rallies and brutalize peaceful citizens, why not redirect their manpower towards clearing the clogged drainage channels that put the entire city at risk? A structured initiative where security forces periodically engage in drainage unclogging exercises—whether on a voluntary basis or for a community service fee—could significantly improve Kampala’s resilience against flooding.
A Practical Approach to Addressing the Crisis
To mitigate future disasters and save lives, the following measures must be taken:
- Regular Maintenance of Drainage Systems: KCCA, in collaboration with security forces such as JATT, should establish a mandatory, periodic drainage unclogging schedule across the city.
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): The government should engage private waste management firms to improve garbage collection and ensure proper disposal.
- Strict Law Enforcement: Enforce heavy penalties on individuals and businesses that illegally dump waste into drainage channels.
- Community Awareness Campaigns: Sensitization programs should educate the public on the dangers of poor waste disposal and the collective responsibility of keeping drainage channels clean.
- Sustainable Urban Planning: Expand and modernize Kampala’s drainage infrastructure to cope with increasing urbanization and climate change effects.
- Conclusion: A Call for Urgent Action
Kampala is at a crossroads. Will authorities continue to ignore this growing crisis until another tragedy strikes, or will they take decisive action to transform the city’s waste management system and drainage infrastructure? The deaths of innocent victims should not be in vain; they should serve as a wake-up call for immediate and sustainable action.
The solution is clear: redirect resources, enforce accountability, and instill a culture of collective responsibility. Kampala does not need more political suppression—it needs clean, functioning drainage channels and a city management system that prioritizes the well-being of its citizens over political expediency.
Published by Uganda Today, your trusted source for news and analysis
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