*By John Kusolo*
In a decisive response to the Kiteezi Landfill disaster that claimed the lives of at least 30 people in Lusanja, Kitetika, and Kiteezi villages, President Yoweri Museveni has wielded his constitutional authority to sack several high-ranking officials of the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). The dismissals come after alarming findings from a report by the Inspector General of Government (IGG), which implicated KCCA leadership in gross criminal negligence leading up to the tragedy.
Among those relieved of their duties are KCCA Executive Director Dorothy Kisaka, her deputy David Luyimbazi, and Director of Public Health Daniel Okello. The President's actions follow weeks of public outcry and internal blame games within KCCA, with Kisaka at the center of criticism for allegedly ignoring multiple warnings about the imminent danger posed by the landfill.
*The Kiteezi Landfill Tragedy*
The disaster struck on August 11, 2024, when tons of garbage collapsed at the Kiteezi Landfill, engulfing several homes and killing at least 30 people. The dead included toddlers, children, and women, while many others were injured. The tragedy sent shockwaves through the country, with calls for accountability growing louder as officials shifted blame for the disaster.
Initial reports from the Inspector General of Government (IGG) highlighted serious mismanagement at KCCA, particularly in handling the Kiteezi landfill. The findings revealed that critical warnings about the landfill’s structural risks were ignored by senior officials. The IGG’s report accused KCCA leadership of severe oversight failures and a disregard for the safety of people living near the landfill.
Museveni’s Constitutional Action
In response to the findings, President Museveni invoked his authority under Article 172 (1) (a) of the 1995 Constitution to dismiss the officials. A statement released by the Presidency on Tuesday emphasized that the President’s decision was driven by a need to ensure accountability and to address the criminal negligence that had contributed to the loss of lives.
"The IGG’s report clearly outlined the severe oversight and negligence exhibited by these officials. This cannot go unpunished," President Museveni stated.
The President also directed the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and other crime management agencies to conduct thorough investigations into the incident, particularly focusing on the aspect of criminal negligence. The goal, according to the statement, is to hold responsible those whose actions or inactions led to the mismanagement of the Kiteezi Landfill, ensuring that similar disasters are prevented in the future.
*Dorothy Kisaka's Tenure at KCCA*
Dorothy Kisaka, a lawyer and corporate executive, had been appointed as KCCA’s executive director in June 2020, following the controversial exit of her predecessor, Jennifer Musisi. Kisaka took over the leadership of the Capital City Authority more than a year after Musisi’s departure, with interim leadership provided by Eng. Andrew Kitaka. However, despite Kitaka's steering of the institution in Musisi's absence, President Museveni overlooked him when the time came to appoint a substantive leader.
Kisaka’s tenure, while relatively low-key, was marked by an inherited set of challenges from her predecessor. Under Musisi, KCCA had embarked on major infrastructural and administrative reforms, transforming parts of the city. However, Kisaka’s leadership did not maintain the same momentum. The Kiteezi Landfill tragedy, now the symbolic downfall of her career at KCCA, brought into sharp focus the mismanagement that had been festering within the authority.
*Blame and Refusal to Resign*
In the aftermath of the Kiteezi disaster, Kisaka faced mounting pressure to step down, with many accusing her of failing to heed multiple reports that warned about the dangers of the landfill. Nonetheless, Kisaka adamantly refused to resign, asserting that the responsibility should not fall squarely on her shoulders. Her refusal to take accountability only fueled public frustration, with calls for her dismissal becoming more pronounced.
Alongside Kisaka, her deputy, David Luyimbazi, and the Director of Public Health, Daniel Okello, were also dismissed. The IGG’s report cited these officials for their roles in overseeing the city’s garbage management and public health safety, accusing them of negligence that contributed to the catastrophe.
President Museveni has ordered that the positions of Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, and Director of Public Health be advertised, with new appointments to be made within three months. The Public Service Commission has been tasked with managing the recruitment process, while the Minister for Kampala has been instructed to recommend interim appointments to ensure KCCA’s operations continue smoothly during the transition period.
As part of the government’s efforts to prevent future occurrences, President Museveni emphasized the need for accountability at all levels of government and administration. He further called for reforms in the management of public facilities and instructed all agencies involved to prioritize safety and the well-being of citizens.
"The events of August 11 should serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of negligence. We must never allow such a tragedy to happen again," Museveni concluded.
The Kiteezi Landfill disaster has sent shockwaves through Uganda’s political landscape, with the sacking of Dorothy Kisaka and other key KCCA officials marking a significant shift in the administration of Kampala’s city affairs. The tragedy, which cost the lives of at least over 30 people, has underscored the urgent need for stronger accountability and reform in the management of critical public infrastructure. As investigations continue and new leadership is sought, the government’s focus now turns to ensuring that such negligence never again leads to the loss of innocent lives.
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