Sensitise community to save Northern Bypass from garbage crisis

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The Northern Bypass was originally hailed as a transport milestone. Built to ease traffic congestion in Kampala by diverting cross-country traffic away from the city centre, it was designed as a ring road, promising to improve mobility and accessibility. However, years later, this infrastructure has deteriorated into a neglected, garbage-strewn stretch, reflecting poor public maintenance and a lack of civic responsibility.

A recent investigation revealed alarming conditions along several key stretches of the bypass. Starting at the Namboole flyover, cleanliness was passable, though minor litter was evident. However, at the Agenda – Naalya stretch, trenches were clogged with garbage, mainly plastic bags, threatening to block drainage systems during rains. Heaps of trash lined the road beneath flyovers, creating both a visual and environmental blight.

A recent investigation revealed alarming conditions along several key stretches of the bypass. (Photo by Francis Emukule)

The situation worsened at the Kiwatule–Ntinda flyover, where human waste and garbage coexisted beneath an otherwise well-maintained road. Despite the stench and filth, people continued to gather and conduct business in the area.

Locals like snack vendor Joyce Kisaakye blamed the lack of public toilets and night-time activity by intoxicated individuals and night-shift workers for the unsanitary conditions. Businesses nearby often refuse public access to their facilities, exacerbating the problem.

While more affluent areas such as Naalya and Kisasi maintained relative cleanliness, likely due to community vigilance and fewer residences, many other segments painted a different picture. For instance, the pedestrian flyover connecting Kamwokya and Kyebando had become an unofficial dumping ground.

The Northern Bypass was originally hailed as a transport milestone. However, years later, this infrastructure has deteriorated into a neglected, garbage-strewn stretch. (Photo by Francis Emukule)

Despite local efforts and a free garbage truck provided by the local area councillor, residents often ignore proper disposal practices. Businesswomen heading to the market in the early morning hours are accused of stealthily dumping waste on the flyovers.

Residents admitted the existence of a city council garbage truck that charges a modest fee (sh10,000 per month), but many refuse to pay, opting instead for illegal dumping. Residents such as Robert Assimwe and Dorcus Agaba cited repeated efforts to clean up, but claimed the bypass is often dirty again within hours.

Darkness and lack of security lighting enable early-morning littering without consequence. Although some culprits have been caught and given community service, the penalties are too lenient to be a real deterrent.

Further along, flyovers linking Kyebando to Mulago and the newer one connecting Kalerwe to Matuga were cleaner, largely due to lower foot traffic. Yet, the stench from clogged drains persists, especially near busy areas like Kalerwe market. In Bwaise, large drainage systems filled with plastic waste not only pose a sanitation risk, but have also attracted scavengers.

Human waste and garbage coexist beneath an otherwise well-maintained road. (Photo by Francis Emukule)

Even the Busega flyover, a major entrance to Kampala, suffers from poor maintenance. While the road is relatively clean, nearby grass is overgrown, and trash is scattered due to people lounging under the flyover.

Maintaining the bypass’s functionality and appearance requires consistent cleaning, drainage maintenance, proper lighting, and — crucially — community involvement. Without civic pride and law enforcement, Uganda’s once-prized bypass risks becoming a long-term liability.