The President of Uganda Gen (RTD) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed the Criminal Investigations Department and other Crime Intelligence Agencies to investigate the events the led to the tragic Kiteezi Landfill disaster, after the abruptly sacking the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) boss, Dorothy Kisaka four years after her appointment.
The tragedy resulted in the deaths of 35 individuals who were buried under mounds of garbage after an unexpected collapse of the landfill last month.
Furthermore, approximately 11 individuals suffered serious injuries, and 28 people are still unaccounted for as of today. The collapse resulted in extensive damage to homes and livestock, leaving many survivors without shelter.
The incident was largely attributed to the negligence of the KCCA technical team, headed by Kisaka, who allegedly disregarded numerous warnings and complaints from residents about the dangers posed by the accumulated garbage.
In response to the troubling findings of the Inspector General of Government (IGG) report regarding the Kiteezi disaster, the President dismissed Kisaka’s deputy, David Luyimbazi, as well as the Director for Public Health, Dr. Daniel Okello.
The President took action against the officials due to substantial evidence of criminal negligence.
“The IGG’s report clearly outlined the severe oversight and negligence exhibited by these officials,” he said.
Museveni also directed the Public Service Commission to announce the vacancies for the positions of Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, and Director of Public Health, aiming to fill these roles within three months.
He assigned the Minister for Kampala the responsibility of advising the President on temporary appointments for these essential positions, guaranteeing that KCCA’s operations remain uninterrupted during this transition phase.
Kisaka was named the Executive Director of KCCA by President Museveni on June 12, 2020, taking over from Jennifer Musisi.
Musisi who was commonly referred to “Nankulu” is still fondly remembered for transforming Kampala.
Many Ugandans came to appreciate her significant impact only after her departure, as the city began to fall into disarray once more.
