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Mechanical failure paralyzes garbage collection in Gulu City

11 March 2026, 6:20 pm

A non-operational garbage truck stationed at the city garage in Gulu City

By Gift Okello

Gulu City is grappling with a growing waste management backlog following the mechanical breakdown of key garbage collection trucks, severely slowing operations across several divisions and leaving heaps of refuse unattended.

Laroo–Pece Division Mayor Geoffrey Otim confirmed that garbage collection has drastically slowed due to the breakdown of a specialized truck used in the exercise. He assured residents that authorities are prioritizing repairs to restore the vehicle to service as soon as possible.

Geoffrey Otim on truck – Luo

Layibi Division Mayor Patrick Oola Lumumba said that although funds for waste management are available, the lack of functional machinery has crippled operations. He noted that city leaders are working “around the clock” to address the mechanical challenges affecting the trucks.

Patrick Oola Lumumba on truck – Luo

The delay has sparked concern among residents, who fear possible disease outbreaks as garbage continues to pile up. Many worry that with the rainy season approaching, uncollected waste could be washed into water sources, worsening public health risks.

Uncollected garbage scattered at a dumping point in Gulu City, raising health concerns among residents
Community vox pop on garbage – Luo

In July 2022, Gulu City acquired two Tata garbage trucks worth UGX 370 million through the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) Program. However, the current mechanical failures have exposed the vulnerability of the city’s waste management infrastructure and raised calls for a more sustainable long-term solution.