Agago residents sound alarm over waste pollution

31 July 2026, 9:38 am

By Freeman Canogura

Residents of Agago have raised concerns over increasing waste pollution, blaming poor disposal practices for environmental degradation, blocked waterways, and unhealthy living conditions in their communities.

The concerns were raised during the “Lok Pa Lapur” community programme organised by Radio Wang Ooh FM, which brings together farmers every week to discuss challenges affecting their communities and connect them with experts for practical solutions.

Simon Balmoi, a farmer from Corner Abicel in Ajali Sub County, expressed concern over the habit of some residents who dispose of waste carelessly in communities. Balmoi said improper waste disposal is affecting the cleanliness of the district and urged residents to take responsibility by managing waste properly, including disposing of rubbish in appropriate places and avoiding practices that pollute the environment.

Odera James Lagod from Patongo Town Council blamed some hotels and small kiosks for disposing of waste into water channels.

Lagod said the practice blocks waterways and affects the free movement of water. He added that when waste remains in the channels for a long time, it produces foul smells that affect people living and working around those areas. He called on business owners to adopt responsible waste management practices and work with local authorities to keep communities clean.

Twon Kalang from Kotomor Sub County appealed to government and local leaders to establish proper waste disposal sites where rubbish can be collected, sorted, and managed. Kalang said having designated waste management areas would reduce random dumping and help communities handle waste in a safer and more sustainable way.

Gumperom Ronald from Aloi in Patongo Sub County raised concern over waste left behind by traders who come to the district every Tuesday for the weekly market.

Ronald said some traders leave the market areas dirty after conducting business and urged authorities to take stronger action against people who fail to manage the waste they generate. He called for stricter enforcement to ensure traders contribute to maintaining clean trading centres.

Meanwhile, Okello Samuel from Oliga in Patongo Sub County said some residents have turned incomplete buildings into dumping sites. Samuel said unfinished structures are increasingly being used as places to throw rubbish, creating unhygienic conditions that may expose communities to health risks. He urged authorities to increase monitoring and discourage the practice.

Responding to the concerns, Komakech Joseph, the Mayor of Patongo Town Council, said local authorities are developing measures to improve waste management and promote cleaner communities across the district.

Komakech said the town council will begin sorting waste to separate different materials, making it easier to recycle and reuse some waste products. He said proper waste sorting will help reduce pollution and encourage sustainable waste management practices.

The Mayor warned residents against littering, saying those found dumping waste carelessly will face a fine of Shs100,000. He added that authorities are mapping areas that have been heavily affected by waste pollution to identify places requiring urgent intervention.

Komakech also revealed that the council has established scouts who will move around communities to monitor waste disposal practices and report individuals violating waste management guidelines. He called on residents, traders, businesses, and institutions to cooperate with authorities, saying keeping Agago clean requires collective responsibility.