Apac intensifies action against poor waste disposal

27 November 2025, 3:31 pm

By Daniel Odongo & Mike Okwang Ogule

Apac Municipal Council has announced plans to deploy community monitors to curb persistent cases of poor waste disposal within the town. The decision follows inspections that revealed worsening sanitation in back lanes and undeveloped areas, despite existing garbage collection schedules. Offenders caught dumping waste illegally will face fines as the council steps up enforcement to promote a cleaner, healthier urban environment.

The move comes amid growing concern over deteriorating hygiene, particularly in back lanes and undeveloped plots that have become dumping sites for food waste, faecal matter, construction debris, and other refuse.

Despite ongoing sanitation campaigns along major streets, authorities say improper waste disposal by some residents continues to pose a serious public health risk.

Since its establishment in 2018, Apac Municipality has undergone rapid transformation with support from the Uganda Municipal Infrastructure Development Programme (UMIDP), which funded projects such as the tarmacking of the Chegere–Olelpek road and the installation of solar streetlights. Continued infrastructure upgrades have attracted investors and accelerated business growth.

However, municipal leaders note that community hygiene standards have not kept pace with infrastructural advancements.

Municipal Chairperson for Health and Education, Ms Molly Akello Evudu, said recent inspections revealed persistent sanitation challenges, particularly in back lanes.

“The council will fine defiant tenants as provided under municipal policy. We also encourage landlords to verify new tenants and ensure they accommodate only individuals willing to comply with sanitation standards,” she said.

Municipal Principal Health Inspector, Mr David Okino, expressed concern about the “negative attitude” of some residents despite ongoing sensitisation efforts.

“The council has a routine garbage collection schedule, but residents also have responsibilities. Waste should be kept in designated containers while waiting for the collection truck, not dumped in streets or back lanes,” he said.

Okino explained that every building is required to have its own waste collection basket. The municipality collects garbage weekly: Atik Division on Monday, Arocha on Tuesday, Agulu on Wednesday, Akere on Thursday, with Friday reserved for mop-up operations.

He further noted that the council operates on a limited quarterly waste-management budget of just over UGX 4.8 million.

“Sometimes we clear waste, only for the areas to be filled again with scattered rubbish. The council does not have enough fuel to drive the truck ten times along the same corridor. This strains our already limited resources,” he added.

To strengthen enforcement, the council plans to deploy division-level staff equipped with cameras to capture evidence of illegal dumping. Offenders will be fined up to UGX 100,000.

Municipal authorities maintain that stricter enforcement, paired with community responsibility, is essential for Apac to maintain a clean, safe, and healthy urban environment as the town continues to grow.