For the last 10 years the border town  with a population of over 14,000 has been operating without a landfill and proper garbage management system.

This has since forced the residents in  the area to indiscriminately dump waste in the wetlands, bushes, corridors and along the road side exposing the community to deadly diseases like dysentery and cholera among others

Kule Kasim, the Local Council One chairperson Lorikwo West Cell, has blamed Amuru District Local government for failing  to set up a proper solid waste management system, something he says is exposing them to deadly diseases.

According to Kule, the hygiene situation is worrying and no leader is bothered about the plight of the community saying  with the return of rains  the area is most likely to be struck by malaria and cholera.

Micheal Lakony, the Amuru District LCV chairperson, has admitted the problem blaming it on the inadequate funds, environmental degradation and poor waste disposal culture among the community.

He however, said his office has raised concern with the Ministry of Local government and finance for support to help address the issues of poor garbage management.

Patrick Lamot, a Public Health Expert working for the Ministry of Health and Attached to Elegu Border Post, said the lack of proper waste management system has exposed the communities to diseases like typhoid and dysentery.

According to Lamot, their health facility is currently overwhelmed with cases of typhoid and dysentery coming as results of hygiene.

He said they have now embarked on community sensitization to improve waste management as they await a long term waste management project from the government to address the problem.

Poor waste management, ranging from non-existing collection systems to ineffective disposal, causes air pollution, water contamination, and soil contamination. Open and unsanitary landfills contribute to the contamination of drinking water and can cause infection and transmit diseases.

A World Bank Poor Sanitation Programme report released in 2012 indicates that poor sanitation costs Uganda at least Shs389 billion annually.

The money lost in three years can meet the cost of improving hygiene facilities in the country, which stands at UGX 1.3 trillion.

Caption: Piles of plastic waste in Elegu Town Council.