Kampala, (UG):- The newly sworn-in Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director, Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, has pledged to fight corruption and laziness among staff at the City Hall.
In her inaugural speech, delivered after taking the oath of office on Wednesday, Ms Buzeki emphasized her commitment to serving Uganda’s capital city with “dedication, humility, and integrity” while maintaining zero tolerance for unethical behaviour.
“The issue of corruption is a pain in every institution, but it is not something that cannot be mitigated. We will strengthen anti-corruption efforts and make corruption a very risky venture for our employees,” Buzeki said.
On Kampala’s persistent waste management challenges, the new KCCA boss called for innovative and community-centred solutions and the need for a new dumping site that can accommodate advanced technology in managing waste.
“We appreciate the challenge we are facing, and I have listened critically to my colleagues about fast-tracking and acquiring land for waste disposal,” she remarked. “We need to promote waste-to-energy solutions and conduct education campaigns for our people to change their methods of managing waste because it starts with all of us.”
Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago expressed concerns that KCCA bosses often prioritise the interests of tycoons over those of vulnerable Ugandans operating in the city. “I feel insulted when KCCA bosses meet with tycoons who are damaging the city for their individual interests instead of being stopped,” Lukwago said. “We need to ensure that everyone is held accountable for their actions, regardless of their social status or economic power.”
Mr Lukwago also emphasised the need for KCCA to work closely with local communities to address the challenges facing the city. “We need to involve local communities in the decision-making process and ensure that their concerns are addressed,” he said. “This is the only way we can build a city that is inclusive, sustainable, and equitable for all.”
Buzeki and her deputy, Moses Benon Kigenyi, step into their new roles following the departure of acting Executive Director Frank Rusa Nyakana. The latter had temporarily held the position after President Museveni sacked then KCCA officials: Dorothy Kisaka (ex-ED), Engineer David Luyimbazi (ex-Deputy ED), and Dr Daniel Okello (ex-Director of Public Health).
The dismissal of the trio was linked to the fallout from the Kiteezi landfill incident, which underscored inefficiencies in city waste management.
The outgoing Acting ED Eng. Frank Rusa in his handover remarks highlighted solid waste management as one of the biggest challenges facing KCCA.
“We are struggling to reform the Kiteezi landfill to make it safe for residents, but we face several challenges,” Rusa said. “We need to find a sustainable solution to our waste management problems, and this requires a multi-faceted approach that involves government, private sector, and civil society.”
The Wednesday swearing-in ceremony was officiated by Kampala Ministers Hajjat Minsa Kabanda and Hon. Kabuye Kyofatogabye, who expressed confidence in the new leadership to address the city’s pressing issues. Also in attendance was Lucy Nakobe, the Head of Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet.
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