Ssenyonyi Threatens To Sue Govt For Negligence in Kiteezi

Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi, has threatened to drag the Government to court over the Kiteezi landfill tragedy.

The outspoken MP made the threat while addressing journalists at Parliament on Thursday afternoon. On 9th August, a section of garbage in the Kiteezi landfill gave way, burying houses. At the time of writing, the reported loss of life has reached 34 people, while the rescue operation is ongoing.

While KCCA blames a structural accident, evidence of prior warnings to the City Hall administration has surfaced, raising the question of negligence. In his Thursday address, the Nakawa West MP added his voice to those castigating KCCA for negligence.

“This (Kiteezi tragedy) is a clear case of negligence. There were warnings which were not heeded, and people have died because KCCA and the government were negligent.” Ssenyonyi stated.

Following the tragedy, the government announced a compensation formula for the affected persons. In this package, families that had lost their loved ones were to receive shs 5 million from the state. Additionally, families that had their members injured in the tragedy would receive shs 2 million.

Although this package has been delivered to some families by Minister of State for Relief, Disaster Preparedness, and Refugees Lilian Aber, Ssenyonyi believes it is insensitive of the government.

“That shs 5 million might not even be enough for them to transport their dead and then carry out the burial process. This is not compensation at all. So, we are demanding that the government immediately compensates these families adequately.” Joel Ssenyonyi said.

The tough-speaking LOP also warned the government that they could face unending lawsuits if they didn’t follow his advice. He went on to call upon the affected families to take legal action against the state for what he called negligence. Additionally, Ssenyonyi pledged the backing of the opposition in Parliament for the legal journey of the Kiteezi families.