Industrial Park Residents Face Health Crisis as Factories Block Waterways

Residents of Kikonko Namanve Industrial Park in Bweyogerere, Kira Municipality, Wakiso District, are grappling with an environmental disaster after factories allegedly constructed drainage systems that have blocked natural water flows, causing flooding and health hazards.  

 
Following mounting complaints, the Wakiso District Environment Committee has ordered an immediate investigation into all factories accused of diverting waterways. The committee has threatened to demolish illegal drainage structures if factory owners fail to comply with environmental regulations.  

 
Community leader Nyanzi Faizo Kansala expressed frustration over the worsening situation: "Our homes flood daily, creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes and waterborne diseases. We need urgent intervention." The affected area, which separates Kira from Namanve Industrial Park, hosts multiple factories accused of poor waste management practices.  

 
During a heated meeting to review the district's environmental performance, committee chairperson and District Councillor Betty Ethel Naluyima drew parallels to the recent Gunda Forest conservation battle in Entebbe Municipality. "Just as we protected Gunda Forest, we will not hesitate to take drastic action against these factories," she warned.  

Rebecca Ssabaganzi, Wakiso District Environment Officer, highlighted the broader challenges: "Every day we battle illegal sand mining in wetlands, tree cutting, and industrial pollution. The number of environmental offenders keeps growing."  

 
The district has vowed to use forensic methods to identify all illegal drainage systems and hold responsible parties accountable. Residents demand that factories:  
Restore water channels, implement waste management, and compensate households.
 
As the district prepares its final report, all eyes remain on whether authorities will follow through with enforcement actions or if factories will continue operating with impunity.