Municipal Wastewater Management in Kawempe Division, Kampala Capital City Authority

Abstract

A cross-sectional study to assess the management of municipal wastewater in Kawempe division with 5% population connected to the sewer system was undertaken. It employed both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. Study units of a hundred household respondents were randomly sampled proportionate to the population sizes of the six zones selected from the Division. The major objective was to generate information, which could subsequently be applied by stakeholders to improve management and protection of the environment, and promote the health of Kawempe community. Majority of the people in Kawempe use different containers (basins and cut jerry cans) to collect wastewater. Others discharge their wastewater into drainage channels, on open ground indiscriminately. Only a small fraction use septic tanks and soak pits. Poor drainage and odors were some of the many problems resulting from mismanagement of wastewater. More than half of the respondents had suffered from malaria in the last three months prior to this study as a result of mosquitoes breeding in the wastewater. Interventions that are in place mainly come from NGOs whereas KCCA and LCs are commended for spraying drainages, and sensitizing the communities.