“President Museveni has dismissed KCCA officials Dorothy Kisaka, Eng. David Luyimbazi, and Dr. Daniel Okello following an IGG report on the Kiteezi Landfill disaster that caused over 50 deaths” (UBC Uganda, 24.09.2024).
“To ensure a swift transition in leadership, the President has directed the Public Service Commission to advertise the positions of Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, and Director of Public Health, with a goal of appointing new officials within three months. Additionally, the Minister for Kampala is tasked with advising the President on interim appointments for these crucial positions to ensure that operations within KCCA continue without disruption until permanent replacements are in place. The President remains committed to upholding accountability and maintaining the highest standards of governance for the benefit of all citizens” (President Dismisses KCCA Officials Following IGG Report on Kiteezi Landfill Disaster, 24.09.2024).
We can act like this is a default setting, but the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and the KCCA Act is all made to shift the power-dynamics of the political space within the local government of Kampala. The KCCA was made to conquer and to control the elected officials of the city. That’s why the Executive Director and the Presidential Appointments have had more mandate or power than the elected ones.
This is why the Kiteezi landfill disaster is evident of a faulty structure. A structure with duplications, lack of monetary funds and without a proper steering mechanism. That even after several of technical leaders, technocrats and cronies are on the case. This is the issue with Kampala.
This isn’t the issue of the ceremonial leader of Lord Mayor or Deputy Lord Mayor. Not even the Division Mayors or Ward Councillors. No, these are just mere spectators to the magnitude of issues that is within the appointed officials of the KCCA. This is a prolonged process and stagnation, which is because of the wait for acknowledgement and the protocols between the appointed leaders. That’s why there is a lack of will and way…
The KCCA is bound to fail, and this puts all eyes on Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago. Even with the fall of the Executive Director, the Deputy Executive Director and others. They are all part of it, but the ones with the mandate and with power is the ED. The ED is the one that has the most opportunities and can connect itself to the Minister of Kampala. That’s where they can send messages and memos to the President. So, that things can be fixed, and the President can do his micro-management.
The KCCA was created because the President knew he didn’t have the popularity or the ability to get NRM councillors or elected officials ahead of the local government in the capital. That’s why he created it and no matter who the NRM has fielded. It hasn’t amounted to anything. This is why he had to create an entity over the City Hall to takeover without needing the ballots or the popular vote.
People must learn this that it all stems from the President. This is the President that took over and took power from City Hall. He decided that his appointees got the mandate and made the elected official mere shadow or ceremonial. Therefore, all the problems of KCCA and the leadership there is made problematic by the President. His will and his whims create this quagmire. That’s it. Peace.
MinBane 