President Museveni Dismisses Top KCCA Officials Over Kiteezi Landfill Disaster

President Yoweri Museveni has dismissed key officials of the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) following the release of an Inspector General of Government (IGG) report linking them to the recent Kiteezi Landfill disaster.

Citing substantial evidence of criminal negligence, the President invoked his constitutional authority under Article 172 (1) (a) of the 1995 Constitution to remove the officials in the public interest.

The dismissed officials include Mrs. Dorothy Kisaka, the KCCA Executive Director; Engineer David Luyimbazi, the Deputy Executive Director; and Dr. Daniel Okello, Director of Public Health.

According to the IGG’s report, these senior officials were found responsible for significant oversights that contributed to the disaster, which raised serious public health and safety concerns.

The Kiteezi Landfill, located on the outskirts of Kampala, has long been a critical waste management site for the city, but recent events at the site exposed severe management failures.

The IGG’s investigation revealed lapses in safety protocols and maintenance that escalated into a public health threat, culminating in the President’s swift response.

President Museveni also directed the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to launch a deeper probe into the incident, specifically focusing on criminal negligence.

“This disaster could have been avoided if due diligence and effective oversight had been practiced. Those responsible must be held accountable,” the President said, as quoted in the press release.

To maintain continuity in KCCA’s leadership, President Museveni instructed the Public Service Commission to begin the process of recruiting new officials for the vacant posts.

The positions of Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, and Director of Public Health will be advertised immediately, with a deadline for appointments set within three months.

Meanwhile, the Minister for Kampala has been tasked with advising the President on interim leadership to manage the city’s operations without disruption until permanent replacements are in place.

The KCCA plays a pivotal role in managing Kampala’s infrastructure, health, and sanitation services, and the swift transition aims to prevent further lapses in public service delivery.